lead-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈlēd-ˌəp 

: something that leads up to or prepares the way for something else

lead up

2 of 2

verb

ˈlēd- 

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

Noun

Surveillance footage from a nearby business captured the lead-up to the encounter, which shows Bonner and two male friends walk past a third man who had been standing on the sidewalk. — Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

That costs additional money—both London teams this past week set up headquarters for fans, with current and former players participating in events throughout the lead-up to the game—and also provides some additional income. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 4 Oct. 2026

Verb

The days leading up to autumn in New York are their own study in reality and illusion. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2026

Gross profit was $471 million in fiscal 2025, and $662 million in the nine months leading up to June. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1942, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lead-up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

lead up

verb

(ˈ)lēd-ˈəp 

: to make a gradual approach to a topic