1. coming first in a series or sequence
Usage: often used in sports contexts

1. the first batter in a baseball lineup or inning
Usage: baseball
2. something that begins or starts a series

Examples

• The leadoff batter struck out to start the inning.
• She was chosen as the leadoff speaker at the conference.
• The team’s leadoff hitter has excellent speed on the bases.
• His leadoff comments set the tone for the entire meeting.
• The leadoff story in tonight’s news covered the election results.
• As the leadoff performer, she had to warm up the crowd.
• The leadoff question caught the candidate off guard.