lead time

noun

: 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
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.
Chun is seeing chaos in the supply chain turn lead times of one month into three months then five. HubSpot, 20 June 2025 Mueller said that the December timing allows sufficient lead time for films to navigate the approval process ahead of major festival deadlines. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 June 2025 Monitor key performance indicators (fill rate, lead time adherence, machine downtime). Dileep Rai, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 Navy data showed that the robots had helped reduce lead time and work hours, as well as identify defects that may have otherwise been missed by traditional inspection methods. Ian Thomas, CNBC, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lead time

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead time was in 1944

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Cite this Entry

“Lead time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20time. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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