What does "lead-up" mean?

An event, or sequence of events, that leads up to something; the period during which these events occur.

What is a synonym for "lead-up"?

Common synonyms include: build up, eve.

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
An event, or sequence of events, that leads up to something; the period during which these events occur.
"Retailers get a lot more business in the lead-up to Christmas."

"Retailers get a lot more business in the lead-up to Christmas."

Deverbal from lead up to.