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

More Pro Wrestling: WWE News: Hulk Hogan, Real American Beer Being Sued For Negligence Black made his AEW debut in July 2021 as Malakai Black, starting off feuding with Cody Rhodes. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

Tuesday could start off chilly with widespread frost between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. Sacramento is expected to be mostly sunny through the day. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 10 Feb. 2025

With his unique blend of jazz, R&B, and classical training, plus his deep connection to New Orleans, Batiste’s rendition of the National Anthem promises to be both meaningful and memorable—a perfect way to start off this year’s Super Bowl Sunday. —Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 9 Feb. 2025

This week started off with the countries of North America backing away from a trade war. —Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025