lead-up

1 of 2

noun

: something that leads up to or prepares the way for something else

lead up

2 of 2

verb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
That reduction has led to more trade discussions in the lead-up to draft night, Steelers general manager Omar Kahn said at a pre-draft press conference. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026 In the lead-up to the matchup in Detroit, the ESPN broadcast shared a live shot of members of the Magic partaking in some pre-game antics. Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
His campaign said in a news release that $250,000 of that was raised in the days leading up to and immediately after this week’s debate. Grace Hase, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026 Court records point to mounting financial pressure and significant debt leading up to the action. Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lead-up

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1942, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead-up was in 1861

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lead-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead-up. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

lead up

verb
: to make a gradual approach to a topic
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