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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

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.

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

When the first ball is finally bowled after a chaotic lead-in, Pakistan will open the tournament against the Netherlands in Colombo.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 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.