lead-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈlēd-ˌəp

: something that leads up to or prepares the way for something else

lead up

2 of 2

verb

ˈlēd-

led up; leading up; leads up

intransitive verb

: to prepare the way

: to make a gradual or indirect approach to a topic

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In the aftermath of their disastrous 2022 season, the Rams will continue to make strategic and cost-cutting roster moves in the lead-up to the NFL draft on April 27-29. —

Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2023 Although the 2024 city preference broadly rests with President Joe Biden, the lead-up to the party's decision is full of intraparty jockeying. —

Alisa Wiersema, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2023 The lead-up to Sunday’s fight in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, between Tommy Fury and Jake Paul looks as if it were ripped out of boxing’s oldest playbook. —

Kevin Draper, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2023 The president's various appearances were, in part, a conspicuous lead-up to both his annual speech, as well as what's expected to be the launch of his re-election campaign in the coming weeks. —

Rafi Schwartz, The Week, 7 Feb. 2023

Verb

The conveyor lifts were moved to the former location of Burns lift and lead up the mountain. —

Julie Jag, The Salt Lake Tribune, 17 Dec. 2022 Wooden stairs with carved detailing on the balustrade lead up three stories high. —

Dodai Stewart, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2022 Ally Love and Hannah Corbin lead up the Barre content for the platform that is upbeat, engaging and growing. —

Good Housekeeping, 19 Sep. 2022 California State Parks began construction this week on 30 new bicycle turnouts on winding roads that lead up the 3,849 foot-high mountain that rises in central Contra Costa County and is a mecca for Bay Area cyclists. —

Annie Vainshtein, San Francisco Chronicle, 23 July 2022 The blue-and-white blazed trail leads across three footbridges past a knoll overlooking the mill pond, then bends left to lead up the hill to a lovely cascade and 30-foot waterfall. —

Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2022 Pac-12 South lead up for grabs in Salt Lake City 4. —

Emily Horos, The Arizona Republic, 5 June 2021 While the property will not open until 2023, this lead up gives travelers plenty of time to plan their trip to San Francisco. —

Annie Goldsmith, Town & Country, 28 Apr. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lead-up.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.