lead

thallium$\longleftarrow$ 82 $\longrightarrow$bismuth

Pronunciation

noun 1

• enPR: lēd, IPA ^(key): /liːd/
• SAMPA: /li:d/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

noun 2

• enPR: lĕd, IPA ^(key): /lɛd/
• SAMPA: /lEd/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Homophone: led

verb

• enPR: lēd, IPA ^(key): /liːd/
• SAMPA: /li:d/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular lead

Plural leads

1. (countable) A lead is a wire or strap attached to something.

   The dog can't go far because it's on a short lead.

   Attach this lead to one end of the battery.

2. (uncountable) Lead is a very heavy gray metal. It's a chemical symbol is Pb.
   • Synonyms: Pb and ♄

   This box is so heavy, it feels as if it's full of lead.

Verb

Plain form lead

Third-person singular leads

Past tense led

Past participle led

Present participle leading

1. Someone is leading other people if the person is going first and the other people are following or coming after.

   Please lead us to the house, because you know how to go there.

2. Showing or telling other people what to do.

   He moves that little stick in the air to lead the people making music.

• 
  Lead bricks stopping radioactive rays from coming out
• 
  A red lead attached to a battery
• 
  A man using a baton (stick) to lead people making music

Related words

• leader