: something (such as a television show or segment) that leads into something else
a lead-in to the commercial
lead-in adjective

Examples of lead-in 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.
In its latest post-election move, MSNBC has found a new host for its Morning Joe lead-in Way Too Early. Erik Hayden, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Dec. 2024 The event, which aired a day after the final, was greatly aided by having regional NFL broadcasts serving as lead-ins. Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 26 Nov. 2024 Doc’s lead-in, Kitchen Nightmares: Road to Super Bowl LIX airs at 8 pm with episodes leading up to The Big Game set in New Orleans. Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 Nov. 2024 Chamberlin will return for a sixth consecutive year to executive produce ABC’s The Oscars Red Carpet Show, the official live lead-in to the Oscars broadcast. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lead-in 

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead-in was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near lead-in

Cite this Entry

“Lead-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead-in. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

lead-in

noun
ˈlēd-ˌin
: something (as a television show or segment) that leads into something else
lead-in adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on lead-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!