: 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
For instance, the retailer said that when baggy leopard-print jeans started trending last year, Universal Thread was able to tape into the company’s denim reserves and quickly launch the style, with a lead time cut by 25 percent.
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Evan Clark, Footwear News, 22 Dec. 2025
This long lead time has made the supply unpredictable, putting constant pressure on Christmas tree wholesale prices.
—Ali Besharat, Fortune, 16 Dec. 2025
Turning that ocean liner has been gradual, and these projects have long lead times — but five years in, the result is becoming visible.
—Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 15 Dec. 2025
This long lead time has made the supply unpredictable, putting constant pressure on Christmas tree wholesale prices.
—Ali Besharat, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead time
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Evan Clark, Footwear News, 22 Dec. 2025
This long lead time has made the supply unpredictable, putting constant pressure on Christmas tree wholesale prices.
—Ali Besharat, Fortune, 16 Dec. 2025
Turning that ocean liner has been gradual, and these projects have long lead times — but five years in, the result is becoming visible.
—Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 15 Dec. 2025
This long lead time has made the supply unpredictable, putting constant pressure on Christmas tree wholesale prices.
—Ali Besharat, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead time
Cite this Entry
“Lead time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20time. Accessed 29 Dec. 2025.
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