take the lead
idiom
1
: to take a position that is ahead of others : go first
You take the lead and we'll follow right behind you.
2
: to take the winning position in a race or competition
Her car has taken the lead.
Our team took the lead in the eighth inning.
—often used figurativelyTheir company has taken the lead in developing this new technology.
Examples of take the lead in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The medical student suggests the same treatment as Langdon, and Willow jumps at the opportunity to have the influencer take the lead.
—
Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
Evans made a layup to open the scoring 10 seconds into the game but UCLA scored the next eight points to take the lead for good.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Chicago pounced to take the lead when Wallstedt stopped a long-range shot but could not find the puck.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2026
Evans made a layup to open the scoring 10 seconds into the game but UCLA scored the next eight points to take the lead for good.
—CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for take 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.
Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
Evans made a layup to open the scoring 10 seconds into the game but UCLA scored the next eight points to take the lead for good.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Chicago pounced to take the lead when Wallstedt stopped a long-range shot but could not find the puck.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2026
Evans made a layup to open the scoring 10 seconds into the game but UCLA scored the next eight points to take the lead for good.
—CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for take the lead
Cite this Entry
“Take the lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20the%20lead. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
