leadoff

1 of 2

noun

lead·​off ˈlēd-ˌȯf How to pronounce leadoff (audio)
1
: a beginning or leading action
2
: one that leads off
leadoff adjective

lead off

2 of 2

verb

led off; leading off; leads off

intransitive verb

: begin
also : to come on or perform first

transitive verb

1
: to make a start on : open
2
: to bat first for a baseball team in (an inning)

Examples of leadoff in a Sentence

Verb plans to lead off the news conference with a prepared statement
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.
Noun
Chicago White Sox starter Sean Burke began Friday’s game at Rate Field by walking Texas Rangers leadoff hitter Sam Haggerty on four pitches. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025 The 27-year-old right-hander allowed a leadoff home run to Ketel Marte in the fourth, but that was his only blemish in a dominant performance. Kyle Glaser, Oc Register, 22 May 2025
Verb
The game had the look of a pitchers’ duel going into the ninth inning with first-place Philadelphia leading 1-0 thanks to a home run from Trea Turner leading off the game. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 24 May 2025 Pitching well up until then, Paddack got in trouble with walks, issuing a pair of them after allowing a single to lead off the frame. Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for leadoff

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1806, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of leadoff was in 1806

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leadoff. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

leadoff

noun
lead·​off ˈlēd-ˌȯf How to pronounce leadoff (audio)
1
: a beginning action
2
: one that begins something
leadoff adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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