leadoff

1 of 2

noun

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

lead off

2 of 2

verb

ˈlēd- How to pronounce lead off (audio)
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

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Verb

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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
After a leadoff walk to Perdomo, Carroll hit a line drive to left where Mauricio Dubón started to come in, then reached up and couldn't come up with the ball. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 Kyle Schwarber hit a leadoff home run in the MLB at Field of Dreams Game! — Jesús Cano, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
Smith said that South Carolina leading off — with many Southern states following on Super Tuesday soon after the early slate concludes — means that progressives will have to take the time to listen and then tailor their messages. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 The song leads off with voicemails Cook saved from the women and plays out in three parts — one verse for each. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for leadoff

See All Rhymes for leadoff

Browse Nearby Words

lead ocher
leadoff
lead off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leadoff. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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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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