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

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

Noun

While Woods, 50, likely considered participating in his lead-up to a possible Masters appearance next month, embracing the PGA Champions isn’t far off for Orange County’s most famous golfer. —Jay Paris, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026

And although the documentary doesn’t completely shortchange the World Cup games themselves, more than an hour is just the lead-up. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026

Verb

After changing names and uses several times in the decades leading up to 2000, it was then closed for years until it was acquired, in 2019, by David and Simon Rueben, who wanted to turn it into Italy’s first Corinthia hotel. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

The day commemorates the return of Jesus to Jerusalem and is the week leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection; the week is the holiest in the Christian calendar. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1942, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lead-up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

lead up

verb

(ˈ)lēd-ˈəp 

: to make a gradual approach to a topic