: 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
Here are some considerations for local or nearshore production:
• Assembly in the U.S. or nearshore (like Mexico) can reduce lead times if your margins can support higher costs.
—
Alex Gudilko, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
This can fuel rapid intensification and quick landfall, amping up the threat due to short warning lead times.
—Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 2 July 2025
Insomnia Cookies: Limited-time cookie specials available through Feb. 23 include Red Velvet, Red Velvet Cheesecake Filled Classic and Cupid's Cookies 'N Cream – and Heart Cookie Cakes (available through Feb. 16, require a 2-hour lead time).
—Jenny Porter Tilley, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
With natural gas turbines in short supply and long lead times to build other resources, renewables and batteries offer the fastest way to satisfy growing demand for power.
—Daniel Cohan, The Conversation, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead time
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Alex Gudilko, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
This can fuel rapid intensification and quick landfall, amping up the threat due to short warning lead times.
—Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 2 July 2025
Insomnia Cookies: Limited-time cookie specials available through Feb. 23 include Red Velvet, Red Velvet Cheesecake Filled Classic and Cupid's Cookies 'N Cream – and Heart Cookie Cakes (available through Feb. 16, require a 2-hour lead time).
—Jenny Porter Tilley, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
With natural gas turbines in short supply and long lead times to build other resources, renewables and batteries offer the fastest way to satisfy growing demand for power.
—Daniel Cohan, The Conversation, 10 June 2025
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 Jul. 2025.
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