leadoff

1 of 2

noun

lead·​off ˈlēd-ˌȯf 

1

: a beginning or leading action

2

: one that leads off

leadoff adjective

lead off

2 of 2

verb

ˈlēd- 

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)

Synonyms of leadoff

Verb

• begin
• commence
• start
• fall (to)
• set about
• get off
• embark (on or upon)
• get going
• open

Examples of leadoff in a Sentence

Verb

plans to lead off the news conference with a prepared statement

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Milwaukee’s eighth-inning rally started when Jackson Chourio hit a leadoff single against Luis Gastelum (5-4). — ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026

Sandy Alcantara, the Marlins ace, allowed a leadoff hit to Pedro Ramirez in the ninth, but got Swanson to fly out and pinch-hitter Carson Kelly to ground into a double play, earning his second save in a week. — Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026

Verb

The Chargers built a 10-0 lead off Buffalo’s first two turnovers in the first quarter, before being limited to two Cameron Dicker field goals. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026

Chaparro led off the third and fifth innings with home runs against Mets starter Sean Manaea (6-8). — Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1806, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for leadoff

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff

Kids Definition

leadoff

noun

lead·​off ˈlēd-ˌȯf 

1

: a beginning action

2

: one that begins something

leadoff adjective