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 of go-ahead

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

Haaland’s go-ahead goal helped Norway advance to the round of 16 for the first time since 1998. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026

Acquired from the White Sox, Hill delivered clutch home runs, including a go-ahead two-run shot and another two-run homer in late-game heroics. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Noun

Playcaller Kyle Shanahan’s gadget play went for a 29-yard, go-ahead TD to open the fourth quarter. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026

Following Siakam’s go-ahead basket, Derrick White missed a long 3-pointer at the buzzer that would have given the Celtics the win. — Jay King, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026

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