leadoff
C1Informal to neutral. Primarily used in sports (baseball, cricket) and business/meeting contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To be the first to take action or perform in a sequence; to open or begin a game, event, or process.
Pertaining to or describing the person or thing that is first in a batting lineup, a lineup of speakers, a series of actions, or any similar sequence. Can be used as a noun, verb, or attributive adjective (leadoff hitter).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strongly tied to sequences and initiation. As a verb, it means 'to start off.' As a noun, it refers to the 'first act/person/thing.' Often implies the first action sets the tone or pace for what follows.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly an American term, especially in its core baseball sense. In British English, the concept exists but is more often expressed with phrases like 'open the batting,' 'bat first,' 'lead off' (as a phrasal verb), or simply 'start.' The single-word form 'leadoff' (noun/adjective) is less common in UK usage.
Connotations
In AmE, it has strong, positive sports associations (initiative, speed). In BrE, it may sound like an Americanism unless used in a clear sports or business context.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[team/player] leadoffs (the inning/the meeting)[player] is the leadoffto leadoff with [topic/action]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get the lead out (unrelated but phonetically similar, a potential confusion)”
- “Set the pace/tone (conceptually related)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for the first presentation or speaker in a series. 'She will give the leadoff presentation at the conference.'
Academic
Rare. Might describe the first paper in a symposium.
Everyday
Limited. 'Who's going to lead off the karaoke tonight?'
Technical
Almost exclusively in sports statistics and commentary, particularly baseball.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The captain will lead off the batting.
- He led off the discussion with a controversial statement.
American English
- Acuña will leadoff for the Braves tonight.
- Let's leadoff with the quarterly results.
adjective
British English
- He occupied the lead-off position in the order.
- The lead-off speaker set a high standard.
American English
- The leadoff hitter smacked a double.
- Her leadoff slide was a key strategic move.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Our best player is the leadoff batter.
- She will lead off the concert with her new song.
- The manager debated who should occupy the crucial leadoff spot in the lineup.
- His leadoff question was so direct that it stunned the panel.
- The company's leadoff presentation at the tech fair garnered immediate investor interest.
- His propensity to work deep counts made him an ideal choice to leadoff the inning.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a race: the person who LEADS OFF the starting blocks is the LEADOFF runner. 'Lead' + 'off' = start off.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEGINNING IS A STARTING LINE / INITIATING IS TAKING THE FIRST STEP.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите буквально как "вести с" или "снимать свинец".
- В спортивном контексте: "первый отбивающий", "игрок, начинающий игру".
- В общем контексте: "начинать", "открывать" (серию действий).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'lead' (the metal) or the verb 'lead' followed by 'off' as a separate preposition.
- Spelling as two words ('lead off') when used as a noun or adjective (acceptable for the verb phrase).
- Using it in non-sequential contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'leadoff' MOST commonly and naturally used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the part of speech. As a noun or adjective ('the leadoff hitter'), it's typically one word. As a verb ('to lead off'), it's often two words, though the one-word form is sometimes seen, especially in American sports writing.
Yes, but it's an extension of the sports metaphor. It's used in business, meetings, or any sequence to mean 'the first item' or 'to begin the sequence.'
'Leadoff' strongly implies being the first in a defined sequence or lineup, often a repeated or formal one (like a batting order). 'Start' is more general and can apply to any beginning.
It is understood, but it is perceived as an Americanism. British speakers are more likely to use the phrasal verb 'lead off' or terms like 'open' or 'bat first' in sporting contexts.