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
The lead-up to the release has also meant an opportunity to reconnect with his costars. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025 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
Verb
Officials say there were no survivors inside the facility, depriving investigators of crucial eyewitness accounts of the final moments leading up to the explosion. Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025 Across all locations—and regardless of access to artificial light—participants slept less and took longer to fall asleep in the nights leading up to a full moon. Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 16 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 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

lead up

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