Lede Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈliːd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A leading article or introduction that sets the tone and direction of a publication or medium, often in print or digital formats.

Examples

• The news agency released a special edition with a provocative lede that sparked a national debate.
• Lede writing is an art that requires a keen understanding of storytelling and readers’ attention.
• The editor changed the lede to make the article more engaging and accessible to a wider audience.
• The lede of the article was widely shared on social media, sparking a heated discussion about the topic.

Synonyms

• Headline
• Introduction
• Lead

Etymology

The word “lede” comes from the Old English word “lēd”, meaning “path” or “way”, which was later adapted into the verb “to lead” or “to introduce”. In journalism, the term “lede” emerged in the 15th century as a borrowing from the Dutch word “leiding”, meaning “direction” or “guide”. Over time, the term evolved to refer specifically to the opening paragraph or section of a publication.

Usage Notes

In journalism, a lede is often used to grab the reader’s attention and provide a concise overview of the story. In academic writing, a lede may serve as an introduction to a research paper or article, setting the stage for the rest of the text.

Cultural References

The term “lede” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. In the novel “The News of the World” by Paulette Jiles, the protagonist is a newspaper editor who must rewrite the lede of a story to make it more appealing to readers.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

There is no specific idiomatic expression or phrase that includes the word “lede”, as it typically functions as a noun or verb in its context.

Related Words or Phrases

Related words or phrases include “headline”, “lead”, “introduction”, “opening”, and “summary”.

Collocations

Common collocations with the word “lede” include “lead”, “headline”, “story”, “article”, and “publication”.

Frequency of Use

The word “lede” is commonly used in journalism and publishing, particularly in the context of newspaper and magazine writing. Its usage is less frequent in other forms of writing, such as academic or literary texts.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of the word “lede” include “lead”, “led”, and “leeed”.