start off
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
On Friday, May 22, the 51-year-old comedian started off her Memorial Day weekend by documenting her progress in the gym.
—
Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
Both Heated Rivalry and Off Campus are romances that started off under the radar before becoming instant sensations, catapulting their stars to a new level of celebrity.
—Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 22 May 2026
Fairhaven started off strong with a double from Juliette Flynn in the first inning, but was stranded when Fairhaven pitcher Brianna Pierce struck out, and Stella Zangao grounded out.
—Zach McMahon, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026
Margo starts off her journey as a young mother feeling isolated, but soon realizes the power in the village around her after Shyanne and Jinx show up for her in the courtroom.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for start off
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Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
Both Heated Rivalry and Off Campus are romances that started off under the radar before becoming instant sensations, catapulting their stars to a new level of celebrity.
—Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 22 May 2026
Fairhaven started off strong with a double from Juliette Flynn in the first inning, but was stranded when Fairhaven pitcher Brianna Pierce struck out, and Stella Zangao grounded out.
—Zach McMahon, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026
Margo starts off her journey as a young mother feeling isolated, but soon realizes the power in the village around her after Shyanne and Jinx show up for her in the courtroom.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 20 May 2026
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 23 May. 2026.
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