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

The idea is to expose the show to new viewers who perhaps haven’t caught it yet on streaming, and also use the linear run as a bit of a marketing lead-up to the January premiere of Season 2 on HBO Max. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025

Building an eclectic resume at a young age certainly paid off for Harper, who spent the lead-up to releasing Silo Park on tour with Balu Brigada — performing double duty as an opening act and the band's keys player. —Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025

Verb

The investigation into the killing is ongoing, and no additional details, including what led up to the shooting, were being released to preserve the integrity of the case, Sisson said. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 13 Nov. 2025

Golden Eve will serve as a marquee kickoff to Golden Week, leading up to the 83rd Golden Globes ceremony on Jan 11. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2025

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