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
Life Kit has put together a list of simple ideas to help make the lead-up to Halloween feel festive. NPR, 22 Oct. 2025 The sports agency representing former Boise State and NFL player Doug Martin released a statement on Monday night providing details the family wanted released about the lead-up to Martin’s death over the weekend. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
Kraus ends with an appendix of messages the murderers exchanged leading up to the crime…These texts are not rich text. Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025 Their results showed that the dinosaur fossils were from a 380,000-year window leading up to the mass extinction event. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 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 24 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

lead up

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