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

The Royals also swung a trade to acquire leadoff hitter Jonathan India and added closer Carlos Estévez. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 18 Feb. 2025

Duran has established himself as one of the best leadoff hitters in the game, and any combination of Bregman, Devers, Casas and Story behind him would be a nightmare for opposing teams to navigate. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2025

Verb

Among the other returnees, Stout said Gavin Terry will lead off and play left field. —Tanner Spearman, arkansasonline.com, 14 Feb. 2025

The 2025 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show leads off with five days that began Wednesday and runs through Sunday at six locations spread around Miami and Miami Beach. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 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