LEAD | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

Old English lǣdan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch leiden and German leiten, also to load and lode

cause (a person or animal) to go with one by holding them by the hand, a halter, a rope, etc. while moving forward

cause person or animal to go with one

• she emerged leading a bay horse

be a route or means of access to a particular place or in a particular direction

be route to particular place

• the door led to a long hallway
• a farm track led off to the left

be in charge or command of

be in charge of

• a military delegation was led by the Chief of Staff

have the advantage over competitors in a race or game

have advantage over competitors

• he followed up with a break of 105 to lead 3-0
• the Wantage jockey was leading the field

have or experience (a particular way of life)

have particular way of life

• she's led a completely sheltered life

the initiative in an action; an example for others to follow

initiative in an action

• Britain is now taking the lead in environmental policies

a position of advantage in a contest; first place

position of advantage in contest

• the team burst into life and took the lead
• they were beaten 5-3 after twice being in the lead

the chief part in a play or film

chief part in play or film

• she had the lead in a new film
• the lead role

a strap or cord for restraining and guiding a dog or other domestic animal

strap for restraining dog

• the dog is our constant walking companion and is always kept on a lead

a wire that conveys electric current from a source to an appliance, or that connects two points of a circuit together.

electrical wire

the distance advanced by a screw in one turn.

distance advanced by screw

an artificial watercourse leading to a mill.

watercourse leading to mill