lead-off

[ leed-awf, -of ]

adjective

1. leading off or beginning:

   the lead-off item on the agenda.

lead off

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lead-off¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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

Example Sentences

Defense attorney Tom Mesereau proudly spoke about the strength of his lead-off witness, Wade Robson.

From The Daily Beast

Four wild balls put the lead-off man of Centralia on first with no one out.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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