lead time

noun

: the time between the beginning of a process or project and the appearance of its results

Examples of lead time in a Sentence

We will need at least six months lead time before production begins.
Recent Examples on the Web The Alliance had argued there was not enough lead time for the industry to adjust to a sudden implementation. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2024 Tapping into the help of advanced technologies in conjunction with traditional, lean principles can provide enormous value in terms of shorter lead time and overall reduction of manufacturing cost by eliminating waste. Manojdeep Jasrotia, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024 This reduces lead times for orders or possible repairs and lessens shipping costs for finished ranges, while upholding strict quality control. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2024 Larger construction projects and many business capital spending projects have long lead times, so economic growth is likely to slow early this year due to those past interest rate hikes. Bill Conerly, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Fall is the best time to plant hydrangeas because there is more lead time for root growth, but spring is alternately a good time also. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2024 Treat employees with respect: longer lead times, transparency, reskilling programs, management pay cuts before job cuts, phased early retirement options. Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Had it been approved on Tuesday, the shot clock would’ve gone into effect for the 2026-27 season, but that lead time wasn’t enough to convince the majority of the Legislative Council’s 71 voters. Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 30 Jan. 2024 Currently, there's approximately a 12-month lead time on orders to delivery. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lead time.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead time was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near lead time

Cite this Entry

“Lead time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20time. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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