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Synonyms

lead-in

American  
[leed-in] / ˈlidˌɪn /

noun

  1. something that leads in or introduces; introduction; opening.

  2. Radio, Television.

    1. the connection between an antenna and a transmitter or receiving set.

    2. the portion of a program or script that precedes or introduces a commercial.

adjective

  1. (of a conductor) carrying input to an electric or electronic device or circuit, especially from an antenna.

lead-in British  
/ ˈliːdˌɪn /

noun

    1. an introduction to a subject

    2. ( as modifier )

      a lead-in announcement

  2. the connection between a radio transmitter, receiver, etc, and the aerial or transmission line

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of lead-in

First recorded in 1910–15; noun, adj. use of verb phrase lead in

Vocabulary lists containing lead-in

myPerspectives 10.3

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Though munitions are being deployed at a rapid pace, due to long lead-in times for procurement and production, there is a lag until any increased demand can be met.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Its episodic encores are currently airing on Fox as a lead-in to “The Faithful,” whose showrunner, René Echevarria, is an old hand at both network and cable, and whose work includes “The 4400.”

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

He recommended the council consider events with a long "lead-in" as national events - expanding planning for transport and staffing accordingly.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

Later I switched to “Some Kind of Wonderful” by Grand Funk Railroad for a simple reason: Whenever she’s around my heart beats in rhythm with the 1974 tune’s powerful drum lead-in.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

The anchor’s lead-in: Adoptions are about giving new homes to children who don’t have families.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.