lead time

noun

: the time between the beginning of a process or project and the appearance of its results

Examples of lead time in a Sentence

We will need at least six months lead time before production begins.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Norris also argued in the legislation, originally written in 1922, that the progress of technology allowed for communication and travel to be much quicker and more efficient, meaning members of Congress no longer needed the long lead time to arrive in town for ceremonies. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025 Officials on a call with reporters noted current strains on the AI market to make investments needed for large-scale operations saying their cost, power constraints and permitting challenges resulting in long lead times to bring data centers to market. Molly Nagle, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2025 With low-code application development platforms, even non-technical users can easily build automation into their processes and workflows, reducing lead times and costs while driving agility. Amit Mathradas, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 The technology minimizes deadstock, reduces inventory needs, and shortens lead times. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for lead time 

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead time was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near lead time

Cite this Entry

“Lead time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20time. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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