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
While each of these events is fun and amps up the excitement around Halloween, one has to wonder if all the lead-up really does is dull the finale. Melissa Willets, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025 Young had spent the lead-up to Game 2 recovering. Ben Pickman, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
Melania offers unprecedented access to the 20 days leading up to the 2025 Presidential Inauguration through the eyes of the First Lady-elect herself. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025 Middle Tennessee is full of fall festivals, trick-or-treating and fright leading up to Halloween. Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025 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 13 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

lead up

verb
: to make a gradual approach to a topic
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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