lead

//liːd//
B1Frequency Level 3Neutral
Visual representation of lead

Verb

leadInfinitive
leadPresent tense
ledPast tense
ledPast participle
leadingPresent participle
leadsThird-person singular
1

To guide or direct someone or something by going in front or showing the way

She led us to the conference room.

2

To be in charge or command of a group, organization, or activity

She leads a team of engineers at the company.

3

To be winning or in first place in a competition or race

Our team is leading by two points.

4

To result in or cause a particular outcome or situation

Poor diet can lead to serious health problems.

Noun

leadSingular
leadsPlural
1

The position at the front or in first place

She took the lead in the race.

2

An advantage or margin by which one is ahead of competitors

Our team has a five-point lead over the other team.

3

A clue or piece of information that may help solve a problem or investigation

The detective followed every lead to find the missing person.

4

The main role or actor in a play, film, or performance

She got the lead in the school play.

Noun

leadSingular
leadsPlural
1

A heavy, soft, malleable metallic element with the symbol Pb and atomic number 82

Lead is a toxic metal that was once commonly used in pipes and paint.

2

Graphite used in pencils

The lead in my pencil broke.

Adjective

leadCanonical form
1

Made of or containing the metal lead

The old house had lead pipes that needed to be replaced.