pickoff

1 of 2

noun

pick·​off ˈpik-ˌȯf How to pronounce pickoff (audio)
Synonyms of pickoffnext
: a baseball play in which a base runner is picked off

pick off

2 of 2

verb

picked off; picking off; picks off

transitive verb

1
: to shoot or bring down especially one by one
2
: to put out (a base runner who is off base) with a quick throw (as from the pitcher or catcher)
3
: intercept
picked off a pass

Synonyms of pickoff

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Verb

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Examples of pickoff in a Sentence

Noun He made a pickoff throw to third base. Verb picked off more passes than any other player in the division
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Boyd’s pickoff move has been a weapon for the lefty the last two years. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 Tatis dealt with Patrick throwing over twice, and catcher Gary Sánchez snapping off a pickoff throw. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
After leading the team in the preseason with 16 tackles and picking off multiple passes in training camp, the staff elected to go with Alijah Clark instead for special teams purposes. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026 In the film, Jasper dies after Bangley waits until the last minute to pick off some invaders that target Hig and his dog. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pickoff

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1911, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pickoff was in 1810

Rhymes for pickoff

See All Rhymes for pickoff

Browse Nearby Words

picknick
pickoff
pick off
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Cite this Entry

“Pickoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pickoff. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pick off

verb
1
: to shoot or bring down one by one or with a single shot
2
: to put out (a base runner who is off base) with a quick throw
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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