lead-off
Starting the action
Lead-off describes whatever comes first in a sequence.
A lead-off batter hits first in a baseball lineup.
A lead-off speaker opens a conference.
The term emphasizes position rather than importance—though often the first slot is strategic: She asked the lead-off question at the press conference.
To set going
- openerWhat begins something
- kickoffOpening play in football
- introductionPreliminary section or presentation
- commenceTo set underway
launch · initiate · inaugural · debut · outset · first · prelude · prologue
Uncooked cake mixture
start
To set going
- openerWhat begins something
- kickoffOpening play in football
- introductionPreliminary section or presentation
commence · launch · initiate · inaugural · debut · outset · first · prelude · prologue · icebreaker
batter
Uncooked cake mixture
walk · contact · speed · at-bat · switch-hitter · manager · dugout
tipoff
Advance notice of something
- swimmingswimming, swimmer, swimmers, swim team, swim teams
- baseballbaseball, bat, pitchers, catchers, pitcher
- game startskickoff, tipoff, puck drop, jump ball, starting gun
- team rolescaptain, healer, goalkeeper, vice captain, support
lead-offclosing
Final stage of something
final · last · concluding · ending · finishing
lead-offcleanup
Restoration of order
ninth · closing · anchor · number nine · cleanup hitter
lead-offfollow-up
Subsequent action on something
closing · concluding · trailing · secondary · subsequent