go-ahead

1 of 2

adjective

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
b
: one possessing go-ahead
2
: a sign, signal, or authority to proceed : green light

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
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.
Adjective
Dominic Smith’s go-ahead RBI single against Edwin Diaz in the 10th proved to be the difference in the Mets’ 4-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 2 Aug. 2025 Trubisky answered back in an end-of-game situation with his unit down 1 point, hitting two passes of 20-plus yards that helped set it up for a go-ahead field goal for its game simulation. Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 2 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 See All Example Sentences for go-ahead

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of go-ahead was in 1829

Cite this Entry

“Go-ahead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/go-ahead. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!