leading Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in printing
   lead.
   
2. noun the activity of leading
   leadership.
   
   • his leadership inspired the team
3. verb take somebody somewhere
   guide; conduct; take; lead; direct.
   
   • We lead him to our chief
   • can you take me to the main entrance?
   • He conducted us to the palace
4. verb have as a result or residue
   leave; result; lead.
   
   • The water left a mark on the silk dress
   • Her blood left a stain on the napkin
5. verb tend to or result in
   lead.
   
   • This remark lead to further arguments among the guests
6. verb travel in front of; go in advance of others
   head; lead.
   
   • The procession was headed by John
7. verb cause to undertake a certain action
   lead.
   
   • Her greed led her to forge the checks
8. verb stretch out over a distance, space, time, or scope; run or extend between two points or beyond a certain point
   go; run; extend; lead; pass.
   
   • Service runs all the way to Cranbury
   • His knowledge doesn't go very far
   • My memory extends back to my fourth year of life
   • The facts extend beyond a consideration of her personal assets
9. verb be in charge of
   head; lead.
   
   • Who is heading this project?
10. verb be ahead of others; be the first
    top; lead.
    
    • she topped her class every year
11. verb be conducive to
    contribute; conduce; lead.
    
    • The use of computers in the classroom lead to better writing
12. verb lead, as in the performance of a composition; Barenboim conducted the Chicago symphony for years"
    direct; lead; conduct.
    
    • conduct an orchestra
13. verb lead, extend, or afford access
    go; lead.
    
    • This door goes to the basement
    • The road runs South
14. verb move ahead (of others) in time or space
    precede; lead.
    
15. verb cause something to pass or lead somewhere
    run; lead.
    
    • Run the wire behind the cabinet
16. verb preside over
    chair; moderate; lead.
    
    • John moderated the discussion
17. adjective satellite indicating the most important performer or role
    stellar; prima; star; starring.
    
    • the leading man
    • prima ballerina
    • prima donna
    • a star figure skater
    • the starring role
    • a stellar role
    • a stellar performance
18. adjective satellite greatest in importance or degree or significance or achievement
    preeminent.
    
    • our greatest statesmen
    • the country's leading poet
    • a preeminent archeologist
19. adjective going or proceeding or going in advance; showing the way
    
    • we rode in the leading car
    • the leading edge of technology
20. adjective satellite having the leading position or higher score in a contest
    in the lead; ahead.
    
    • he is ahead by a pawn
    • the leading team in the pennant race

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