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
It’s been a long lead-up to Lady Gaga‘s new album Mayhem. Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2025 During the lead-up to that draft, he was heavily rumored to be a favorite of 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan with San Francisco poised to draft a quarterback with the No. 3 pick. The Athletic Nfl Staff, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
Since then, Young hasn’t stopped releasing music, all leading up to her second album, This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway, last May. Audra Heinrichs, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025 Puts have been more popular than usual leading up to the event, though calls are still winning out on an absolute basis. Schaeffer's Investment Research, Forbes, 18 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lead-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead-up. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

lead up

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