start off
phrasal verb
started off; starting off; starts off
1
: to start or cause (something) to start in a specified way
He started off by introducing himself.
She started off (her run) at a slow jog.
The performance started off badly.
—often + withI started off my speech with a joke.
We started off the meal with shrimp cocktails.
The team started the season off with a 10-game winning streak.
2
: to have a specified quality, identity, job, etc., at the start
She started off as a sales assistant but is now the marketing director.
3
: to begin an important period in one's life or career
The house is perfect for a couple just starting off.
4
: to begin to move toward a particular place or in a particular direction
She ate breakfast before starting off for work.
5
: to cause (someone) to begin doing a particular activity or action
He started his daughter off on the piano.
The game-show host started her off with some easy questions.
Examples of start off in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And to think the night had started off on such a high note.
—
Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 4 Apr. 2025
After starting off the season with a loss, the Rangers extended their winning streak to three with a 3-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Sunday at Globe Life Field.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2025
Lucky for us all, one of the easiest ways to ensure you and your neighbors start off on the right foot and stay that way—at least where the landscaping is concerned—is through the art of conversation.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025
If six months’ worth of living expenses seems like a lot, start off small and work your way up to your target sum gradually.
—Víctor Rosario, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for start off
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Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 4 Apr. 2025
After starting off the season with a loss, the Rangers extended their winning streak to three with a 3-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Sunday at Globe Life Field.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2025
Lucky for us all, one of the easiest ways to ensure you and your neighbors start off on the right foot and stay that way—at least where the landscaping is concerned—is through the art of conversation.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025
If six months’ worth of living expenses seems like a lot, start off small and work your way up to your target sum gradually.
—Víctor Rosario, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for start off
Cite this Entry
“Start off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/start%20off. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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