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
That $40 million project is said to be focusing on the lead-up to her return to the East Wing. Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025 Khan was a Jewish Kindertransport refugee from Frankfurt during the lead-up to World War II, eventually landing in the U.S. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
The Late Summer Day In 1916 When Mary Went ‘Berserk’ The events leading up to Mary’s execution began on September 11, 1916. Scott Travers, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 There hasn’t been much of an increase in border arrivals ahead of Trump’s inauguration In the weeks leading up to Trump’s inauguration, most regions across the border have seen little change in arrivals of migrants. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 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 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

lead up

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