: 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
Joining or forming a joint action agency — a group that provides energy to member municipalities — requires the longest lead time due to the complexities around contract negotiations for joining such agencies.
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Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
What is the lead time for customization, manufacturing, and delivery?
—Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 14 Apr. 2026
Companies are instead betting on a new type of warfare, based on shorter lead times that allow for rapid deployments and more cost-effective solutions.
—Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
For denim brands, that means carrying more inventory and building in longer lead times just to stay on schedule.
—Andre Claudio, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lead time
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Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
What is the lead time for customization, manufacturing, and delivery?
—Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 14 Apr. 2026
Companies are instead betting on a new type of warfare, based on shorter lead times that allow for rapid deployments and more cost-effective solutions.
—Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
For denim brands, that means carrying more inventory and building in longer lead times just to stay on schedule.
—Andre Claudio, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lead time
Cite this Entry
“Lead time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20time. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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