lead time

noun

: the time between the beginning of a process or project and the appearance of its results

Examples of lead time in a Sentence

We will need at least six months lead time before production begins.
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.
However, in today's market, where lead times can shift dramatically and prices widely fluctuate, that approach is too risky. Michael Wu, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 What is the lead time for customization, manufacturing, and delivery? Malia Griggs, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2025 The alerts – including critical warnings the National Weather Service said gave preliminary lead times of more than three hours before flash flooding conditions occurred – would grow more dire. Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 12 July 2025 The agency issued flash flood warnings on the night of July 3 and into the early morning of July 4, providing lead times of more than three hours. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lead time

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead time was in 1944

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lead time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20time. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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