easy
Amir will lead the class to the library.
What does Lead mean?
Lead can mean guide or be first; it can also name a heavy metal, with a different pronunciation.
Dictionary definition
To guide, direct, be first, or cause a result; also, a front position, clue, main role, or toxic metal. The guiding word sounds like LEED, while the metal sounds like LED.
Example sentences
Lead in a sentence
medium
Our team took the lead in the final minute.
medium
One useful clue may lead to the solution.
hard
Lead is a toxic metal, so adults should follow safety advice around old paint or pipes.
hard
The lead actor welcomed the audience after the play.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice lead in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Commonly confused words
Lead or led?
Compare the meanings, then choose a word for each new sentence.
Lead
To guide, be first, or cause a result in the present or after a helping verb.
In a sentence Nora will lead the next rehearsal.
Led
The past tense and past participle of the guiding verb lead.
In a sentence Nora led yesterday’s rehearsal.
Spot the difference Lead (LEED) is the base and present form of the guiding verb. Led (LED) is its past and past-participle form. The metal noun lead is also pronounced LED.
Which word fits?
Choose lead or led for each blank. Say your answer, then check why it fits.
1The trail markers will ___ us to the lake.
Check answer 1
lead — Will takes the base verb lead.
2The trail markers ___ us to the lake yesterday.
Check answer 2
led — Yesterday signals a past action, so led is correct.
Make it your ownTry the word in a sentence about your day.
Write a sentence with leadQuick practice
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Practice the meaning of Lead
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does lead mean in “Rosa will lead the tour”?
Here lead is the present-tense verb meaning guide.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses the present-tense verb lead correctly?
Lead is correct for a present or repeated action. The past and past participle are spelled led.
Practice 3
Choose the correct spelling: Good questions can ___ to better explanations.
Can is followed by the base verb lead, pronounced LEED.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Lead
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Sounds like
LEED
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LEED
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WordLead.
Partverb, noun, adjective.
MeaningLead means Lead can mean guide or be first; it can also name a heavy metal, with a different pronunciation.
ExampleExample: Amir will lead the class to the library.
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Synonyms
Words like Lead
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice lead synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The guide will lead us through the zoo," then compare close word choices. Practice lead synonyms.
Word family
Lead word family
Base word
lead
verb
leads
The present-tense form used with he, she, or it.
verb
led
The irregular past-tense and past-participle form of the guiding verb.
verb
leading
The -ing form; it can also describe someone or something important or ahead.
noun
leader
A person who guides or is in charge.
noun
leadership
The role or skill of leading.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Lead
Hint for students
For the guiding verb, use lead (LEED) now or later and led (LED) for the past. The metal is spelled lead but pronounced LED.
Common mix-up
Lead has two pronunciations. The verb and front-position noun usually sound like LEED; the toxic metal sounds like LED. Led, also pronounced LED, is the past tense and past participle of the guiding verb.
Try it in class or at home
Students sort sentence cards into LEED, LED-past, and LED-metal columns. They underline time clues, label each part of speech, and rewrite one present-tense lead sentence in the past with led.
Teacher prompt
Compare “Sam will lead the group,” “Sam led the group,” and “The pipe contains lead.” Which form shows present or future time, which shows past time, and which names the metal?
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Learning activities
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