: 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
The result is an array that can be assembled at the same time as the solar cells are being produced, cutting down lead times and supporting higher-rate production.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
That’s because of the setup for Bristol’s MLB Speedway Classic this summer, in which a baseball field was built inside the racetrack for a game between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds; Goodyear needs enough lead time to test and build the tires, but that was not possible this time.
—Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
With that three day lead time, scientists have to lock in a time for only a few minutes.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2025
The longer lead time is necessary in order to help build interest in the works, encourage advance sales, and create buzz among likely readers.
—Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead time
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.
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
That’s because of the setup for Bristol’s MLB Speedway Classic this summer, in which a baseball field was built inside the racetrack for a game between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds; Goodyear needs enough lead time to test and build the tires, but that was not possible this time.
—Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
With that three day lead time, scientists have to lock in a time for only a few minutes.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2025
The longer lead time is necessary in order to help build interest in the works, encourage advance sales, and create buzz among likely readers.
—Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share