lead-up

1 of 2

noun

: something that leads up to or prepares the way for something else

lead up

2 of 2

verb

led up; leading up; leads up

intransitive verb

1
: to prepare the way
2
: to make a gradual or indirect approach to a topic

Examples of lead-up in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The complaint details the lead-up to Render being escorted out of Crypto.com Arena in handcuffs. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Feb. 2025 In a new teaser that aired during the Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 2, the band appears to be getting back together — with some new stars donning those bright orange jumpsuits — as a lead-up to the brand's 2025 Super Bowl ad. Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
Read: Trump’s pardons are sending a crystal-clear message In the days leading up to his ignominious departure, Nixon hatched a very Nixonian plot to exploit Ford’s goodwill and naivete. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2025 In the days leading up to this year's Super Bowl, only two brands rolled out car commercials -- Jeep and Ram, both owned by Stellantis NV. Kyle Stock and Brian Kahn Bloomberg News (wpns), arkansasonline.com, 11 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for lead-up 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1942, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead-up was in 1861

Dictionary Entries Near lead-up

Cite this Entry

“Lead-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead-up. Accessed 15 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

lead up

verb
: to make a gradual approach to a topic
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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