: 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
The filing also details the company's financial position, including a decrease in backlog to $19.0 million from $50.0 million in the previous year, reflecting improved lead times and market conditions.
—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 5 Feb. 2025
Dikmen said clients’ concerns revolve around supply chain consistency, lead times, and cost implications.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 15 Jan. 2025
For example, our partner AstraZeneca leverages AI to cut manufacturing lead times from weeks to hours, enhancing quality control and lowering operational costs.
—Ariel Katz, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
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
See all Example Sentences for lead time 
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.
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 5 Feb. 2025
Dikmen said clients’ concerns revolve around supply chain consistency, lead times, and cost implications.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 15 Jan. 2025
For example, our partner AstraZeneca leverages AI to cut manufacturing lead times from weeks to hours, enhancing quality control and lowering operational costs.
—Ariel Katz, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
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
See all Example Sentences for lead time
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 22 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share