: 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 denim brands, that means carrying more inventory and building in longer lead times just to stay on schedule.
—
Andre Claudio, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2026
According to organizers, the early launch will give partners and venues ample lead time to incorporate the identity across signage, installations, digital experiences and other fan environments.
—Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
The result is a tightening of commodity memory supply, rising prices, and longer lead times with ripple effects that touch almost every industry.
—Sha Rabii, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
If there’s a de-escalation, the market will focus on Dover’s accelerating organic growth and its exposure to businesses with shorter lead times, such as fuel pumps and refrigeration components.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lead time
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Andre Claudio, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2026
According to organizers, the early launch will give partners and venues ample lead time to incorporate the identity across signage, installations, digital experiences and other fan environments.
—Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
The result is a tightening of commodity memory supply, rising prices, and longer lead times with ripple effects that touch almost every industry.
—Sha Rabii, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
If there’s a de-escalation, the market will focus on Dover’s accelerating organic growth and its exposure to businesses with shorter lead times, such as fuel pumps and refrigeration components.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026
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 Apr. 2026.
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