I . *lead·ing
/ ˈliːdɪŋ; NAmE / adjective [ only before noun ]
1.
most important or most successful :
leading experts
She was offered the leading role in the new TV series.
He played a leading part in the negotiations.
2.
ahead of others in a race or contest :
She started the last lap just behind the leading group.
These are the leading first-round scores.
II . lead·ing
/ ˈledɪŋ; NAmE / noun
[ U ] ( technical ) the amount of white space between lines of printed text