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
The lead-up to Hollywood’s biggest weekend was even more exciting this year with the addition of Las’ Lap: Legacy Experience. Meghan Mahar, Billboard, 28 Feb. 2025 Czech Republic Public broadcasters CT1 and CT2, as well as arts network CT Art will cover the lead-up to the ceremony as well as the Oscars. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
In the 48 hours leading up to the trade deadline, Canucks management had a strong indication that the Boeser market would be soft even as the market prices for lesser pieces was tilted heavily in sellers’ favours. Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025 Investigators retraced Arakawa’s steps in the days leading up to her death. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lead-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead-up. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

lead up

verb
: to make a gradual approach to a topic
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!