Pronunciation: [lˈiːdɒf] (IPA) 
The word "leadoff" is pronounced /ˈliːdɒf/. The first syllable is pronounced as "leed" with a long "ee" sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "off" with a short "o" sound. The spelling of this word follows traditional English spelling rules. The word is commonly used in sports to describe the first person or team to start a game or inning. For example, "The center fielder will leadoff in the first inning."
The term "leadoff" serves as a noun and an adjective, primarily used in the context of sports, especially baseball. As a noun, it refers to the first batter in a baseball team's lineup, whose primary role is to initiate the game by facing the opposing pitcher. The leadoff batter is typically a strong and versatile player selected for their ability to set the tone and potentially reach base. The success of the leadoff hitter's at-bat can influence the pace and outcome of the game.
As an adjective, "leadoff" describes an action or occurrence that precedes the main event or serves as the introductory element to something. It implies the initiative or precedence taken in starting or initiating a particular activity or function. For instance, a "leadoff home run" would indicate the occurrence of a home run hit by the first batter of a game, setting an early advantage for the team.
Furthermore, beyond sports, "leadoff" can also be employed in a broader sense to describe the opening or starting element of any situation or event. It signifies the person, action, or item that takes the first step or initiates a process. In a figurative sense, it refers to the critical beginning that has the potential to influence and shape subsequent progress or outcomes.
The word "leadoff" originated in baseball jargon and has influenced its usage in other contexts as well. The term is a compound word consisting of "lead" and "off".
"Lead" derives from the Old English word "lǣdan", which means "to guide" or "to go before". In the context of baseball, "lead" refers to the act of a baserunner being positioned slightly away from the base they are occupying, acting as a "lead" to propel themselves forward and potentially steal the next base.
"Off" comes from the Middle English word "of", which means "away" or "from". In the baseball context, "off" refers to the initial position or departure from a base, particularly at the beginning of an inning.
