What does lead mean?
Lead is a widely used word with two prominent pronunciations and several related meanings. As a verb, pronounced /liːd/, it means to guide someone by going first or showing the way, as in “lead the group to safety.” It can also mean to be in charge, direct an organization, influence another person, or occupy the foremost position in a race. As a noun, pronounced /lɛd/, it may denote a person who guides or manages others, the leading position in an undertaking, or the principal performer in a production. In another common sense, lead is a heavy, soft metallic element formerly used in pipes, paint, and other products. The word is also used for a clue or promising contact in an investigation or business. Although these senses have different historical origins, modern usage connects them through the ideas of guidance, precedence, and being at the front.
To guide or show the way; to be in charge or direct; to influence or persuade; or to go or come before others.
"Her experience led the committee to choose a different plan."
Pronounced /liːd/. The past tense and past participle are led, pronounced /lɛd/.
A heavy metallic element; a person in charge; a leading position; the principal performer in a production; or a clue or promising contact.
"She played the lead in the stage production of the play."
Pronounced /lɛd/. As the name of the metal, it is normally an uncountable noun.
The plural is used for countable people or roles in charge, such as project or team leads. The metal is normally uncountable.
"The company appointed two new leads to manage its regional offices."
Most pencils marked “lead” contain no lead at all: their dark writing material is graphite, a form of carbon.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lead come from?
The verb comes from Old English lædan, meaning “to guide” or “to cause to go,” and is cognate with Dutch leiden, German leiten, and Swedish leda. The metal noun comes from Old English lēad, a separate word with a Germanic history reflected in cognates such as Dutch lood. The two English words were not originally etymologically connected, although both eventually came to use the modern spelling lead.
Related word forms
How lead is actually used
The verb is pronounced /liːd/, while the noun is pronounced /lɛd/ in both British and American English. In phrases such as “lead role,” the word functions attributively before a noun. The metal sense is generally uncountable and should not be confused with graphite, the substance traditionally used in pencils.
Easily confused with lead
Led is the past tense and past participle of the verb lead, whereas lead is the present tense or a noun.
Lead means to guide or be in charge, while lend means to give something temporarily to someone.