lead-in
Americannoun
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something that leads in or introduces; introduction; opening.
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Radio, Television.
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the connection between an antenna and a transmitter or receiving set.
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the portion of a program or script that precedes or introduces a commercial.
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adjective
noun
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an introduction to a subject
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( as modifier )
a lead-in announcement
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the connection between a radio transmitter, receiver, etc, and the aerial or transmission line
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.
The ratings for “60 Minutes” are often tied to the lead-in from the late afternoon NFL game on CBS, which was also off from 2026.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026
The lead-in music to the interview: “Why Can’t We Be Friends” by War.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 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
New tariffs will require a longer lead-in time before they are imposed.
From BBC ● Feb. 20, 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
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.
