What does lede mean?
A lede is the introductory portion of a news story, normally its first sentence or first few sentences. It identifies the central event, presents the most important information, and is often written to persuade or attract the reader to continue. Effective ledes are concise, clear, and focused, although their style varies with the publication and the kind of story. The term is most common in journalism and publishing, where it also has a broader meaning of any introductory passage. It should not be confused with lead, the noun meaning someone or something in front, or led, the past tense of the verb lead. The spelling lede has become especially useful in editorial discussion because it makes the intended meaning immediately clear. Although the word can be understood literally as the text that leads into a story, it is not simply a synonym for every introduction: a lede usually foregrounds the central news or argument rather than merely preparing the reader for what follows.
nounThe opening or introductory section of a news story, especially the first few sentences that summarize the main event and draw the reader's attention. By extension, it can refer to the introductory passage of another written work.
- The introductory section of a news story, usually the first sentence or paragraph, that presents the central event or main point.
- More broadly, the introductory passage of a written work.
"The reporter crafted a vivid lede that immediately conveyed the scale of the disaster."
"The article's lede captures the controversy without revealing its full complexity."
"The essay opens with an effective lede that draws the reader into the central argument."
The plural is grammatically regular but uncommon, as ledes are generally discussed as parts of individual publications or stories.
"The editor revised the ledes before the stories went to print."
The extra e in lede exists largely to prevent a journalistic word from being confused with two common words: lead the noun and led the verb.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lede come from?
Lede developed as a specialized spelling of lead in the sense of an introductory passage. The altered spelling was adopted in journalistic usage to distinguish the noun from led, the past tense of lead. Its development reflects the longstanding need for writers and editors to keep related but grammatically different words visually distinct.
How lede is actually used
Common in journalistic and publishing language. It is especially associated with American news writing and may sound specialized or informal in general conversation. The spelling is preferred when clarity could otherwise be affected by the distinction between lead and led.
Easily confused with lede
A lede is an introductory passage, whereas lead is the standard spelling of the noun for someone or something in front and of the verb meaning to guide.
Lede is a noun naming the opening of a story, while led is the past tense and past participle of lead.
A headline is a title summarizing a story, whereas a lede is the introductory text that expands on the headline.