Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
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

  1. 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

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.

Coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead are scheduled to speak with reporters on Tuesday during a news conference as a lead-in to the NFL draft, which begins Thursday in Pittsburgh.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

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

It was going to be my lead-in to convince them to let me watch one with June.

From "P.S. I Miss You" by Jen Petro-Roy

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "lead-in" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com