lead-off
adjective
leading off or beginning.
lead-off
American
[leed-awf, -of]
/ ˈlidˌɔf, -ˌɒf /
adjective
lead off
British
/ liːd /
verb
noun
-
an initial move or action
-
a person or thing that begins something
lead off
Idioms
Etymology
Origin of lead-off
First recorded in 1885–90; adj. use of verb phrase lead off
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
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
That has worked so far, even if it meant moving a successful lead-off hitter in Thomas to second in the lineup.
From Washington Times • Jul. 9, 2023
On Wednesday, Scott will be in Iowa, the lead-off state in the Republican presidential nominating process.
From Reuters • Apr. 12, 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
