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 Monday's decision drew criticism from some Democrats. CBS News, 14 July 2025 When Jon Stewart left The Daily Show in August 2015, his final episode and its lead-up helped Comedy Central to some pretty decent numbers for the man who arguably changed the state of late-night. Peter White, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Verb
Craig had told several people Angela was suffering suicidal ideations leading up to her death, according to the affidavit. Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 15 July 2025 Many of the legislation's spending and tax cuts were up in the air leading up to its final passage. Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 15 July 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 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

lead up

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