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
If the lead-up to Benfica’s visit, and even the game itself, had the feel of a reunion at times, there were still flashes of the irascible Mourinho of old. Stuart James, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 This public sighting of Taylor in New York also comes during the lead-up to the release of her upcoming 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl — which has already broken the record for the most pre-saved album on Spotify's Countdown Page in history. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
These initiatives are part of the Casa Batlló Contemporary program that invites artists to collaborate with the museum to rethink and reimagine Gaudí’s storied legacy, leading up to the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death on June 10, 1926. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025 There is no set number of events BCA will do leading up to construction, Cherry said, but the center would like to engage with the surrounding neighborhoods, including emerging Black and brown artists in the Harambee neighborhood and around the city. Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 2 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 3 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

lead up

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