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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
At least that's the mantra of celebrity chef to the stars, Brooke Baevsky, whose lead-up to the holidays probably looks a little bit different than the average home cook's. Staff Author, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025 What the series dramatizes is the lead-up to that fall. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 22 Nov. 2025
Verb
The three-day event gives visitors a preview of the season through live music, Creole and Cajun food vendors, and nightly bonfire lightings leading up to the annual firework show. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025 Packers first-round rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden carried a questionable designation leading up to this holiday matchup, dealing with a wrist injury. Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 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 29 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

lead up

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