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
And that tension sets up a riveting two-week lead-up to the deadline. Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 The statewide online misinformation comes in the lead-up to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Mathew Miranda, Sacramento Bee, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
People can experience drops in estrogen in the years leading up to menopause, a stage called perimenopause.1 6. Wendy Wisner, Health, 30 Jan. 2025 In the days leading up to and around the Lunar New Year, flower markets flood the streets of Hong Kong. Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 28 Jan. 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

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 2 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

lead up

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