go-ahead

1 of 2

adjective

ˈgō-ə-ˌhed 

1

: marked by energy and enterprise : progressive

a vigorous go-ahead company

2

: indicating that one may proceed

go-ahead signal

3

: being a score that gives a team the lead in a game

drove in the go-ahead run

go-ahead

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: energy, spirit

b

: one possessing go-ahead

2

: a sign, signal, or authority to proceed : green light

Synonyms

Noun

• bootstrapper
• go-getter
• highflier
• highflyer
• hummer
• hustler
• live wire
• powerhouse
• self-starter

Examples of go-ahead in a Sentence

Noun

a born go-ahead, he was determined to be the first in his family to graduate from college

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But Ohtani had the bat in his hand, launching a go-ahead three-run home run in the ninth inning to power the Dodgers to a 14-11 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. —Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 10 May 2025

Pitching coach Mark Prior was ejected from the game after a bad call forced in a go-ahead run. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 10 May 2025

Noun

The Moon is flying into your 5th House of Fun, giving you the astrological go-ahead to abandon any less important duties and make your hours as enjoyable as possible. —Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2023

Although Kershaw wanted to play in the event, and had gotten a go-ahead from Dodgers brass to do so, his insurance problem proved unresolvable. —Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for go-ahead

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead