lead-off

American  

[leed-awf, -of] / ˈlidˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

adjective

1. leading off or beginning.

   the lead-off item on the agenda.

---

lead off British  

/ liːd /

verb

1. to initiate the action of (something); begin

---

noun

1. an initial move or action

2. a person or thing that begins something

lead off Idioms  

1. Begin, start, go first. For example, We have a panel of three speakers, so will you lead off? [c. 1800]

---

Etymology

Origin of lead-off

First recorded in 1885–90; adj. use of verb phrase lead off

Example Sentences

It was the lead-off single to “Parade,” the full soundtrack album to Prince’s 1986 vanity lap “Under the Cherry Moon,” in which he directed and starred, and premiered months after “Kiss” became a hit.

From Salon • Feb. 14, 2026

“A lead-off walk, that never ends well,” Miller said.

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2024

Lowe’s two-run homer to left followed Corey Seager’s lead-off walk.

From Washington Times • Aug. 19, 2023

Luis Rengifo contributed to the Angels’ scoring tally, hitting a lead-off home run in the first and finishing two for four at the plate.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2023

As regards “points” it is well to lunge out, as one does when making a left-handed lead-off in boxing, so as to gain somewhat in the reach.

From Broad-Sword and Single-Stick With Chapters on Quarter-Staff, Bayonet, Cudgel, Shillalah, Walking-Stick, Umbrella and Other Weapons of Self-Defence by Headley, Rowland George Allanson Allanson-Winn, Baron

Related Words

• announce
• offer
• open
• propose
• recommend
• submit
• suggest