leadoff

1 of 2

noun

lead·​off ˈlēd-ˌȯf How to pronounce leadoff (audio)
1
: a beginning or leading action
2
: one that leads off
leadoff adjective

lead off

2 of 2

verb

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)

Examples of leadoff in a Sentence

Verb plans to lead off the news conference with a prepared statement
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
However, Torres' departure leaves the Yankees in need of a leadoff hitter. David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024 Torres found new life after moving to leadoff in late August, posting an OPS of .856 down the stretch and into the postseason for the Yankees. Steve Henson, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
Jose Trevino will lead off the bottom of the third. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 29 Oct. 2024 Cincinnati took advantage of the turnover and took a 24-17 lead off a 1-yard plunge from quarterback Joe Burrow. Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for leadoff 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1806, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of leadoff was in 1806

Dictionary Entries Near leadoff

Cite this Entry

“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leadoff. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

leadoff

noun
lead·​off ˈlēd-ˌȯf How to pronounce leadoff (audio)
1
: a beginning action
2
: one that begins something
leadoff adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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