lead time

noun

: 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
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.
That was okay for that time because things ran on quite a significant lead time. Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 Jamen said Wscripted was hoping to shorten the lead times for development and financing with the new system. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 26 May 2026 And all while average lead times accelerated. Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 May 2026 Lululemon pointed to O'Neill's many years of experience leading Nike's apparel business through a period of rapid growth and her time spent reducing product lead times and resetting the brand prior to her departure. Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lead time

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead time was in 1944

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lead time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20time. Accessed 28 May. 2026.

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