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.
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
“Stormy Daniels will be back on the witness stand today, where she is reportedly expected to face a longer cross-examination” is Fox & Friends First co-host Todd Piro’s lead-in to the story of the day.
From Slate • May 18, 2024
Carson had been Letterman’s lead-in for 11 years; the two were mutual admirers and professionally close.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2024
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.
