lead-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈlēd-ˌəp How to pronounce lead-up (audio)
: something that leads up to or prepares the way for something else

lead up

2 of 2

verb

ˈlēd- How to pronounce lead up (audio)
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
All this disruption is coming in the lead-up to the Burning Man festival, which brings at its peak about 70,000 people to this region from all over the world. — Anya Kamenetz, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026 The lead-up to that decision was fraught and not taken lightly. — Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
The rollout that led up to it offers a useful case study in how to reintroduce a dormant but beloved act without leaning on nostalgia alone. — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 All the way on the right side of the first floor, there’s a red and stone imprint of where stairs used to lead up. — Idaho Statesman, 30 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for lead-up

See All Rhymes for lead-up

Browse Nearby Words

lead tree
lead-up
lead up
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lead-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead-up. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lead up

verb
(ˈ)lēd-ˈəp How to pronounce lead up (audio)
: to make a gradual approach to a topic
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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