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

Bowen noted that a number of product innovations were unveiled during the lead-up to the five-week event, which set ratings records for Fox and Telemundo. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026

The lead-up to the show was so heated that Hoor herself declined to attend the preview. — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 28 July 2026

Verb

Circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation, but deputies said that a man was shot in the leg. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

But in the weeks leading up to this trip, several Jewish groups spoke out against him, calling him a terrorist sympathizer. — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 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