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

Jim Messina, former President Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign manager, told Fox News last week that the first Democratic 2028 primary debate will be held on April 1, 2027, giving Newsom a few months’ lead time to launch a presidential campaign. — Liam Russell, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2026

That makes the eight- to 12-week lead time on larger pieces easier to forgive. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 12 Nov. 2026

Long lead times between a task starting and reaching production can reveal delays across several teams. — Elton Chan, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026

Having inventory overhead also shortens lead times for purchases to be fulfilled, and gives the brand space to ship items by sea rather than air, which cuts costs. — Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 11 Nov. 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