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
Everything from interview prep to hair and makeup factors into the lead-up to a contestant's pageant appearance, but even then, the competition can still catch one off guard. Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025 Life Kit has put together a list of simple ideas to help make the lead-up to Halloween feel festive. NPR, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
The three-day event leads up to the Billboard Latin Music Awards and has, for more than 30 years, stood as the world’s premier annual gathering of Latin artists and industry leaders. Quincy Green, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2025 The confirmation of Nanotyrannus’ existence means that Tyrannosaurus likely had some company for at least around one million years leading up to the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

lead up

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