LEAD definition and meaning

What does LEAD mean?

The foremost or guiding position, an advantage, or the act of directing; pronounced “led,” it also names the metallic element Pb.

What does LEAD mean in a crossword?

LEAD may answer “Forefront,” “Advantage,” “Direct,” “Main role,” or “Clue for a reporter.” A clue mentioning Pb, metal, weight, or pencil history signals the separate pronunciation “led.”

Why is LEAD useful to learn?

Four familiar letters support many unrelated clue senses and two pronunciations, making crossings and grammar essential for choosing the intended definition.

Common clue patterns

• Forefront, in four letters
• An advantage in a race
• Direct or guide
• Main role in a production
• Pb on the periodic table

These are editorially written pattern summaries, not a reproduced puzzle archive.

Other meanings to watch

LEAD can also mean a news-story opening, a piece of evidence, a leash, an electrical wire, a first card played, or the principal performer in a cast.