: 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
This long lead time has made the supply unpredictable, putting constant pressure on Christmas tree wholesale prices.
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Ali Besharat, Fortune, 16 Dec. 2025
Turning that ocean liner has been gradual, and these projects have long lead times — but five years in, the result is becoming visible.
—Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 15 Dec. 2025
This long lead time has made the supply unpredictable, putting constant pressure on Christmas tree wholesale prices.
—Ali Besharat, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
Wall Street analysts at JPMorgan and Bank of America have said that lead times, a key gauge of demand, for iPhone 17 models tracked better than for iPhone 16 models.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead time
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Ali Besharat, Fortune, 16 Dec. 2025
Turning that ocean liner has been gradual, and these projects have long lead times — but five years in, the result is becoming visible.
—Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 15 Dec. 2025
This long lead time has made the supply unpredictable, putting constant pressure on Christmas tree wholesale prices.
—Ali Besharat, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
Wall Street analysts at JPMorgan and Bank of America have said that lead times, a key gauge of demand, for iPhone 17 models tracked better than for iPhone 16 models.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 9 Dec. 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 24 Dec. 2025.
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