lead

/lɛd/
adjective
  1. Made of or containing the metal lead.
    • The old lead pipes were replaced with copper ones.
    • They wore lead aprons during the X-ray to protect themselves.
    • The roof was covered with heavy lead sheets.
  2. Being the first or most important in a group or activity.
    • She is the lead singer in the band.
    • He took the lead role in the school play.
    • The lead story on the news was about the storm.
noun
  1. A heavy, soft, bluish-gray metal that is used in batteries, pipes, and as a shield against radiation.
    • The artist used a thin sheet of lead to create the stained glass window.
    • Lead is still used in some types of car batteries.
    • Old houses often had pipes made of lead, which can be dangerous to health.
  2. The graphite in a pencil, often mistakenly called lead.
    • I need to sharpen my pencil because the lead broke.
    • She prefers pencils with soft lead for sketching.
    • The mechanical pencil uses thin lead that you can push out.
  3. A leash or strap for walking a dog.
    • Please keep your dog on a lead while walking in the park.
    • He attached the lead to the dog's collar before opening the gate.
    • The puppy chewed through its lead and ran away.
Synonyms
verb
  1. To guide or direct someone or something along a way; to go first and show the way.
    • She held his hand to lead him through the dark hallway.
    • The tour guide will lead the group through the museum.
    • The path will lead you to the top of the hill.
  2. To be in charge or command of a group, organization, or activity.
    • He will lead the company as its new CEO.
    • She was chosen to lead the project team.
    • The captain leads the team onto the field.
  3. To be ahead of others in a race, competition, or measurement.
    • Our company leads the market in smartphone sales.
    • The runner from Kenya leads the marathon by two minutes.
    • She leads the class in math scores.
  4. To cause someone to do or believe something; to influence.
    • The evidence may lead the police to the suspect.
    • What led you to choose this career?
    • Her kind words led him to change his mind.
  5. To live a particular kind of life.
    • Many people dream of leading a life of adventure.
    • He leads a busy schedule with work and school.
    • They lead a very simple life in the countryside.
Antonyms
What does "lead" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean