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

Throughout the lead-up to fight night, Benn will wear a series of bespoke pieces including a reimagining off Off-white’s bulletproof vest and a tracksuit. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026

But judging by the lead-up to the event, that’s not what’s going to happen. — Daniel Strauss, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026

Verb

And in the first of a series of cascading events that lead up to prom night, Chris records a traumatic incident involving Carrie’s first period in the school locker room to create an Instagram account that rocks the entire town. — Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026

The episode received a major promotional push in the weeks leading up to the premiere, which featured an exclusive interview with an Air Force officer who was shot down over Iraq. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 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