lead-up

1 of 2

noun

: something that leads up to or prepares the way for something else

lead up

2 of 2

verb

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
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.
Noun
The giant spider felt like a failure of imagination — all that lead-up to the final battle, and that’s the most interesting thing the show could come up with? Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Jan. 2026 When the film was released, Clooney intended to draw parallels between Murrow and how the media was covering the lead-up to the Iraq War. Brent Lang, Variety, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
The project is said to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look into her life leading up to her husband’s second presidential inauguration. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 25 Dec. 2025 Earlier this month, Kotb also offered a glimpse into her suburban New York home and her family's festivities leading up to Christmas. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lead-up

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1942, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead-up was in 1861

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lead-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead-up. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

lead up

verb
: to make a gradual approach to a topic
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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