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
Noun
As cashflow is often a challenge for small businesses—especially during the lead-up to the busy holiday shopping season—look for affordable business credit and working capital solutions when and where needed. Michelle Gill, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 In the weeklong lead-up to Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Bears have conducted two types of business. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 12 Oct. 2024
Verb
Centers are operational for 10 days leading up to Election Day for in-person voting. Staff, USA TODAY, 18 Oct. 2024 Melissa Fox, a spokeswoman for the Bentonville Police Department, said the driver of the vehicle was having a medical emergency leading up to the collision. Thomas Saccente, arkansasonline.com, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lead-up 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lead-up.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near lead-up

Cite this Entry

“Lead-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead-up. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

lead up

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