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Definitions

leadoff

[leed-awf, -of] / ˈlidˌɔf, -ˌɒf /
NOUN
beginning
Synonyms
WEAK
alpha basis birth blastoff commencement creation dawn dawning day one genesis inauguration inception incipience incipiency induction infancy initiation installation introduction kickoff launch onset opener opening origin origination outset point of departure preface prelude presentation rise root rudiment source spring square one start starting point takeoff threshold top

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.

The leadoff hitter for the Red Stockings, shortstop George Wright, is MLB’s first player.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Orange Lutheran 7, Mater Dei 1: Sierra Nichols finished with four hits in the leadoff role and Carlie Snyder homered.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Sparked by Max Muncy’s leadoff home runs in the second and fifth innings, the hot hitters up and down the Dodgers’ lineup sapped the suspense from the first of a four-game wraparound series.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Garcia struck out 10 and also gave up two hits, but one was a leadoff home run by Ricardo Hurtado.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Today they didn’t get here until the third inning of the opener, so they missed my leadoff home run.

From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner