: 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
And give yourself enough lead time to come up with a backup plan if the neighbors say no.
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Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025
Obtaining spot space for time-sensitive cargo now requires lead times of more than one week, normalizing from the immediate space availability earlier this year when the front-loading began.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 Aug. 2025
Wasserman previously acknowledged his sales team faced challenges during the 11-year lead time between Los Angeles securing the Olympics and the actual event.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Units are made to order with a lead time of about three months.
—Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead time
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Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025
Obtaining spot space for time-sensitive cargo now requires lead times of more than one week, normalizing from the immediate space availability earlier this year when the front-loading began.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 Aug. 2025
Wasserman previously acknowledged his sales team faced challenges during the 11-year lead time between Los Angeles securing the Olympics and the actual event.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Units are made to order with a lead time of about three months.
—Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
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 3 Sep. 2025.
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