leadoff

1 of 2

noun

lead·​off ˈlēd-ˌȯf 

1

: a beginning or leading action

2

: one that leads off

leadoff adjective

lead off

2 of 2

verb

ˈlēd- 

led off; leading off; leads off

intransitive verb

: begin

also : to come on or perform first

transitive verb

1

: to make a start on : open

2

: to bat first for a baseball team in (an inning)

Synonyms

Verb

• begin
• commence
• embark (on or upon)
• enter (into or upon)
• fall (to)
• get off
• kick off
• launch
• open
• start
• strike (into)

Examples of leadoff in a Sentence

Verb

plans to lead off the news conference with a prepared statement

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Ichiro earned a reputation as an exceptional leadoff hitter (with a .311 career batting average) and as a formidable right fielder who, even at 5-foot-9, was known to scale outfield walls to rob home runs. —Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 21 Jan. 2025

Inserting a three-time batting champion into New York's leadoff spot ahead of Soto, shortstop Francisco Lindor and third baseman Mark Vientos would be tough on opposing pitchers. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025

Verb

For the first time in more than 30 years — and only for six weeks — Fox will not lead off its Sunday animation block with The Simpsons. —Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2025

This year’s cohort leads off with Oracle co-founder Edward Oates, who is receiving the lifetime achievement award; D.C. —Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1806, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

leadoff

noun

lead·​off ˈlēd-ˌȯf 

1

: a beginning action

2

: one that begins something

leadoff adjective