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
Both new series will premiere in February during the lead-up to March Madness. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024 The acquisition comes in the form of a trade, and one that had very little lead-up until the deal was announced. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
According to a report from Bloomberg in January of this year, in 2023, Amazon accounted for 29 percent of all global online orders in the two weeks leading up to Christmas. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 The sightings started back in November, in the days leading up to the Thanksgiving, mostly in the airspace over mid- and northern New Jersey. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 19 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 26 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

lead up

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