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

Hudson did not discuss how Wells became separated from the group, instead focusing on the lead-up to the island trip and their friendship, although what was shared was only part one of the interview. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

Heaps’ lead-up to her debut with the Summit required more patience from fans. — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Verb

Some of this may be bad news for the country, but for Democrats, eager to win back majorities in the House and the Senate, the sequence of events leading up to the 2026 midterm election could create opportunities. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 26 July 2026

About 71% of all eclipse glasses were sold in the final 30 days leading up to the April 8, 2024 eclipse. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 26 July 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