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

• powerhouse

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

The Braves tagged Helsley for two runs in the eighth, including Ozzie Albies’ go-ahead RBI double that proved to be the game-winner. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2025

But Spencer Torkelson hit a go-ahead solo home run off the left-field foul pole in the ninth inning and the Detroit Tigers held on to defeat the Sox 2-1 on Monday in front of 16,054 at Rate Field. —Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 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