led

1 of 2

past tense and past participle of lead

LED

2 of 2

noun

ˌel-(ˌ)ē-ˈdē 

plural LEDs

: a semiconductor diode that emits light when a voltage is applied to it and that is used especially in electronic devices (as for an indicator light)

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When to Use Lead or Led

There is some persistent confusion about lead and led. Or, we should say, there is confusion about the leads and led. Lead is both a noun and a verb, as most people know. There are several unrelated nouns spelled lead: one most commonly refers to a metal (as in, "The paint was made with lead"), and the other most commonly refers to a position of advantage (as in, "Our team was in the lead"). The verb lead is pronounced /LEED/, with a long e; the noun that refers to a position or advantage is also pronounced /LEED/, with a long e; the noun that refers to the metal, however, is pronounced /LED/, with a short e. To this moderately convoluted situation, add the past tense and past participle of the verb lead, which is led and pronounced like the metal noun lead with a short e. The homophonic confusion leads to homographic confusion, and you will therefore occasionally see lead in constructions where led is called for (as in, “She lead the ducklings to safety” instead of “She led the ducklings to safety”). The correct past and past participle of lead is spelled led. If you aren’t sure whether to use led or lead as the verb in your sentence, try reading it aloud to yourself. If the verb is pronounced /LED/, use led.

Examples of led in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The hallway opens into the empty arena, where lighting techs are busily building the LED displays that will backdrop Sivan’s show a few hours later. —Kristin Robinson, Billboard, 17 July 2024

Each set includes 16 waterproof LED solar lights for outdoor stairs, steps, fences, yards, patios, and pathways. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2024

The camera has a 170-degree wide angle and 360-degree rotation, plus automatic night vision thanks to the infrared LED lights, so my sister can see him in the dark. —Quincy Bulin, Parents, 5 July 2024

Touch of Eco Solar Powered LED Metal Flower Garden Stake Light, $27.66–$29.16 (orig. —Rachel Trujillo, Peoplemag, 4 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

light-emitting diode

First Known Use

Noun

1968, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

led

1 of 2

past and past participle of lead

LED

2 of 2 noun

ˌel-ˌē-ˈdē 

: an electronic device that emits light when a voltage is applied to it

Etymology

Noun

light-emitting diode

Legal Definition

led

past and past participle of lead