lead time

noun

ˈlēd- 

: 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

Serious horology aficionados are used to waiting—even if lead times for coveted watches have become preposterous. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 26 July 2026

Short-cycle businesses tend to be higher margin but also more cyclical due to compressed lead times from order to delivery. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 23 July 2026

The longer lead time ahead of both events and freight demands mean that F1 can likely wait until the end of September to make a call on these races, giving further time for a possible de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 23 July 2026

Procurement can then turn those priorities into supplier commitments, lead times and contracts. — Seema Phull, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lead time

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime