lead-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈlēd-ˌəp 

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

lead up

2 of 2

verb

ˈlēd- 

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

Noun

This World Cup lead-up has also been about the FIFAfication of America, where even notorious former FIFA chief Sepp Blatter blanches at the level of cronyism, politicization and money-grabbing on display. —Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 11 June 2026

The lead-up to the tournament has been marked by intense geopolitical tensions, as well as protests in Mexico City, which could disrupt some events. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 11 June 2026

Verb

The bankruptcy filing also revealed a staggering drop in revenue for the fiber maker, from around $139,000 in 2024 to just under $17,000 in 2025 and essentially no revenue for this year leading up to the filing. —Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 12 June 2026

No one else saw another boat coming in the opposite direction that night — not anyone on his boat, nor anyone else in the channel in the moments leading up to the crash. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1942, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lead-up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

lead up

verb

(ˈ)lēd-ˈəp 

: to make a gradual approach to a topic