lead-up

[ leed-uhp ]

noun

1. something that provides an approach to or preparation for an event or situation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lead-up¹

1950–55; noun use of verb phrase lead up ( to )

Example Sentences

My show follows the journey in the lead up to my first live shows that I performed in Scotland in the summer of 2013.

From The Daily Beast

Polk Correctional Facility in Sanford, Florida—the same jail in which he was held during some of the lead-up to his July trial.

From The Daily Beast

And in the lead-up to election night, some rebels even declared their preference for Republican challenger Mitt Romney.

From The Daily Beast

Even in the lead-up to Illinois, local party leaders are finding it hard to muster enthusiasm for Mitt.

From The Daily Beast

In the lead up to this day, each student lists, in order of preference, the residency program that he or she would like to attend.

From The Daily Beast

But—and I forbear to lead up to it artistically—I dissever myself from your chariot wheels.

From Project Gutenberg

On the outside, two small flights of steps, forming a semicircle, lead up to the top.

From Project Gutenberg

Magnificent rows of steps, built of colossal stones, lead up to the houses and palaces, and artistically built gateways.

From Project Gutenberg

In exposition and argument it is better to lead up to an unwelcome truth than to announce it at once.

From Project Gutenberg

Petros proposed to lead up the whole nation, duly armed, and to occupy this Gawar-Ushnu area.

From Project Gutenberg