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
With all the noise from the lead-up to the 2024 US Presidential election next week, you’d be forgiven for having missed some of the trailers that came out over the last few days. Wes Davis, The Verge, 2 Nov. 2024 The second installment of the show will detail the lead-up to and coverage of the Paris Olympics. Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
Be on the lookout for more coverage leading up to UFC Macau. Brian Mazique, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 In an interview with police, Boudreaux admitted to feeling suicidal in the days leading up to the home invasion and hoped that she would’ve been shot and killed by police, according to the arrest report. Karina Tsui, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near lead-up

Cite this Entry

“Lead-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead-up. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lead up

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