lead time

noun

: 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
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.
Engineers will examine whether additive methods can improve manufacturability while reducing lead times for complex parts. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026 Already, the company has made progress in reducing lead times from 18-to-24 months to 15-to-16 months and is working to further bring it down to between 12 and 14 months, Frank said. Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 4 June 2026 Fast and Flexible Campaigns Influencer marketing doesn’t require long lead times or big production budgets. Wyles Daniel june 4, Idaho Statesman, 4 June 2026 Krane’s solutions bring visibility via a unified, real-time platform to manage submittals, lead times, deliveries, and purchase orders that are updated in real time. Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lead time

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead time was in 1944

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lead time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20time. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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