lead
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for lead, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A soft, heavy, bluish-grey metal, chemical symbol Pb.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lead
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
The metal sense comes from Old English lēad. The verb "to lead" (guide) is a separate, unrelated word from the same Old English root as "load."
Full origin of lead →Frequently asked questions
What does “lead” mean?
The word “lead” means a soft, heavy, bluish-grey metal, chemical symbol Pb. In plain terms, either the heavy metal, or the act of guiding/being ahead of others.
How do you pronounce “lead”?
“Lead” is pronounced LEHD (/ˈlɛd/ in IPA).
How do you use “lead” in a sentence?
Here is “lead” used in a sentence: “Old paint often contained lead, which is now known to be toxic.”
What part of speech is “lead”?
Depending on how it is used, “lead” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “lead” come from?
The word “lead” comes from Old English. The metal sense comes from Old English lēad. The verb "to lead" (guide) is a separate, unrelated word from the same Old English root as "load.".
Is “lead” a common word?
“Lead” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “lead” have?
“Lead” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a soft, heavy, bluish-grey metal, chemical symbol Pb.
Is lead harmful to health?
Yes. Lead is toxic, and exposure can build up in the body over time, harming the brain, nerves, and other organs. Children are especially vulnerable. Because of this, lead has been removed from most modern paint, petrol, and water pipes, though older buildings and materials can still contain it.
What is lead used for?
Lead is dense, soft, and resistant to corrosion, so it has long been used in car batteries, roofing, radiation shielding, and weights. It was once common in paint, petrol, and plumbing, but many of those uses have been phased out as the health risks of lead became clear.
What are the properties of lead?
Lead is a heavy, soft, bluish-grey metal with the chemical symbol Pb. It is dense yet easy to bend and shape, melts at a relatively low temperature, and resists corrosion. These qualities made it useful for centuries, though its toxicity now limits where it can safely be used.
Why does the word 'lead' have two meanings?
Lead is a homograph — two different words spelled the same. The metal, pronounced 'led', comes from Old English. The verb meaning to guide, pronounced 'leed', has a separate origin. Only context and pronunciation tell you whether lead means the metal or the act of leading.