lead time

noun

ˈlēd- 

: 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

Related Stories Freight forwarder OEC Group said Wednesday that the changes have left shippers competing for a smaller pool of vessel space, with longer booking lead times and more cargo rollovers that have contributed to higher container prices. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Leaders should look beyond benchtop prototypes to assess manufacturing capacity, component-level supply-chain resilience, production lead times and the ability to repair or replace systems in the field. — Rohit Jha, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Standard unit targets defense Advanced Energy says the DF150 combines military certifications with the shorter lead times associated with a standard commercial power supply. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026

While these facilities offer quality staging, priorities rest with school programs, leaving outside community groups with strict booking constraints, such as 60- to 90-day lead times, and the risk of sudden cancellation. — Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lead time

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime