start off

phrasal verb

started off; starting off; starts off

1

: to start or cause (something) to start in a specified way

He started off by introducing himself.

She started off (her run) at a slow jog.

The performance started off badly.

—often + with

I started off my speech with a joke.

We started off the meal with shrimp cocktails.

The team started the season off with a 10-game winning streak.

2

: to have a specified quality, identity, job, etc., at the start

She started off as a sales assistant but is now the marketing director.

3

: to begin an important period in one's life or career

The house is perfect for a couple just starting off.

4

: to begin to move toward a particular place or in a particular direction

She ate breakfast before starting off for work.

5

: to cause (someone) to begin doing a particular activity or action

He started his daughter off on the piano.

The game-show host started her off with some easy questions.

Examples of start off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Regardless, starting off on the right foot and setting yourself up for success is crucial for new employees. —Natalie Wu, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024

The comedian, 50, started off by revealing Rachel Dratch’s Debbie Downer was the fifth pick on his list. —Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024

Las Vegas solidifies its claim for the playoffs with a 3-2 win and a dominant DB 21-14 California takes another upset win, with a laughable 21-4 DB score-line by the singles-heavy Bears Day 3 Observations SoCal lays down the smack on fellow playoff participant Bay Area to start off day 3 well. —Todd Boss, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

King Ranch Bourbon starts off as Old Forester’s regular bourbon, which is then filtered through mesquite charcoal made from trees harvested from the ranch, and finally bottled at 105 proof. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2024