1 B2 neutral
To begin something or to be the first to speak or perform in a group.
"The chairperson asked the youngest team member to lead off the presentations."
inseparable
lead off
B2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To be the first to do something, to begin a sequence of events or speakers, especially in a formal or competitive setting.
In plain English
Be the first person to speak, perform, or act in a group situation.
What does "lead off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
(Baseball) To be the first batter in an inning.
"The rookie was chosen to lead off in the bottom of the third inning."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To lead (go first) off (away from the start line).
Actually means
Be the first person to speak, perform, or act in a group situation.
Usage tip
Used in journalism to mean the opening item of a news broadcast or story. Used in baseball to describe the first batter in an inning. Also used in general contexts for whoever starts a meeting, debate, or performance. American English more than British.
Words that pair with "lead off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
meeting debate inning broadcast discussion performance
How to conjugate "lead off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lead off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
leads off
he/she/it
Past simple
led off
yesterday
Past participle
led off
have + pp
-ing form
leading off
continuous
Hear "lead off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lead off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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