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
Bieber has done more than any of those three did in the lead-up to free agency, pitching solidly down the stretch for the pennant-winning Blue Jays. Patrick McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025 Anyone would've thought that Jon Stewart's lead-up on Monday's The Daily Show was headed toward an appearance by former correspondent John Oliver. Debbie Day, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
Parente, a former federal prosecutor, has often described the incident leading up to the shooting as nothing more than a minor car accident. Omar Jimenez, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025 The events take place over a five-day period leading up to Halloween, 1982. Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 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 7 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

lead up

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