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
Advertisement Mayor Karen Bass ended up choosing former L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell to lead the LAPD, but the lead-up to her decision has largely remained cloaked in secrecy. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024 Congested highways will mean ground travel will also be difficult during the lead-up to the holiday, and while there haven't been reports of widespread disruptions so far, air travelers in particular may face serious problems. Patrick Smith, NBC News, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
On a similar theme comes the Czech Republic’s offering Waves, a drama about events in Prague leading up to the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia. Damon Wise, Deadline, 7 Dec. 2024 In the year leading up to her disappearance, Bryan cut off all communication with her friends and the rest of her family, according to Bryan-Goodman. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024 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 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

lead up

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