in the lead
idiom
1
: in a position that is ahead of others
They walked single file, with the oldest boy in the lead.
2
: winning in a race or competition
Our team was in the lead.
Examples of in the lead in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
From mid-November 2021 to May 2022, the postings recounted reconnaissance of the target performed in the lead-up to the attack.
—
Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
Cabaret saw its grosses jump close to $250,000 from the prior week, to reach close to $630,000, and capacity also jumped to 91 percent from 68 percent as the understudies David Merino and Marty Lauter alternated in the lead role of the Emcee, taking over from Billy Porter.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2025
Nominated for the fourth time in the lead actress in a comedy category, Jean Smart, walked the red carpet in a floor-length green dress with a beaded high neckline and billowing sleeves.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Nucci, a transfer from Los Alamitos who was witnessing the rivalry for the first time, called the victory special after getting a good look at it in the lead-up.
—Martin Henderson, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the lead
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.
Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
Cabaret saw its grosses jump close to $250,000 from the prior week, to reach close to $630,000, and capacity also jumped to 91 percent from 68 percent as the understudies David Merino and Marty Lauter alternated in the lead role of the Emcee, taking over from Billy Porter.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2025
Nominated for the fourth time in the lead actress in a comedy category, Jean Smart, walked the red carpet in a floor-length green dress with a beaded high neckline and billowing sleeves.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Nucci, a transfer from Los Alamitos who was witnessing the rivalry for the first time, called the victory special after getting a good look at it in the lead-up.
—Martin Henderson, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the lead
Cite this Entry
“In the lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20lead. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share