Phrase guide

lead time

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The amount of time between the initiation of some process and its completion, e.g. the time required to manufacture or procure a product; the time required before something can be provided or delivered.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, idiomatic, uncountable

Examples

  • It's an excellent device, but it has a 10-week lead time, so be sure to order it in advance.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

the time interval between the initiation and the completion of a production process

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • the lead times for many publications can vary tremendously
  • planning is an area where lead time can be reduced

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: time interval, interval

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: doorlooptijd — the amount of time between the initiation of some process and its completion
  • Dutch: levertijd — the amount of time between the initiation of some process and its completion
  • Dutch: productietijd — the amount of time between the initiation of some process and its completion
  • Finnish: läpimenoaika — the amount of time between the initiation of some process and its completion
  • French: délai de mise en œuvre — the amount of time between the initiation of some process and its completion
  • French: délai de livraison — the amount of time between the initiation of some process and its completion
  • Polish: czas realizacji — the amount of time between the initiation of some process and its completion
  • Spanish: tiempo / plazo de entrega / ejecución — the amount of time between the initiation of some process and its completion
  • Swedish: ledtid — the amount of time between the initiation of some process and its completion