lead-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈlēd-ˌəp How to pronounce lead-up (audio)
: something that leads up to or prepares the way for something else

lead up

2 of 2

verb

ˈlēd- How to pronounce lead up (audio)
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 show was so heated that Hoor herself declined to attend the preview. — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 28 July 2026 Hudson did not discuss how Wells became separated from the group, instead focusing on the lead-up to the island trip and their friendship, although what was shared was only part one of the interview. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
Verb
Details of what led up to the shooting have not been released. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 Aug. 2026 George Kirby, who has been mentioned in trade rumors throughout the weekend leading up to Monday’s trading deadline, pitched seven shutout innings for Seattle. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for lead-up

See All Rhymes for lead-up

Browse Nearby Words

lead tree
lead-up
lead up
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lead-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead-up. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lead up

verb
(ˈ)lēd-ˈəp How to pronounce lead up (audio)
: to make a gradual approach to a topic
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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