: 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
Armed forces increasingly seek suppliers that can deliver at scale while maintaining consistent quality and shorter lead times.
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Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026
Although lead times are condensed, the result is speedy—but not fast—fashion.
—Sj Studio, Footwear News, 12 June 2026
Also, doors open three hours before kickoff, a much longer lead time than a typical event.
—Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Already, the company has made progress in reducing lead times from 18-to-24 months to 15-to-16 months and is working to further bring it down to between 12 and 14 months, Frank said.
—Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lead time
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Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026
Although lead times are condensed, the result is speedy—but not fast—fashion.
—Sj Studio, Footwear News, 12 June 2026
Also, doors open three hours before kickoff, a much longer lead time than a typical event.
—Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Already, the company has made progress in reducing lead times from 18-to-24 months to 15-to-16 months and is working to further bring it down to between 12 and 14 months, Frank said.
—Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lead time
Cite this Entry
“Lead time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20time. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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