tee off

verb

teed off; teeing off; tees off
Synonyms of tee offnext

intransitive verb

1
: to drive from a tee
2
: begin, start
3
: to hit hard
4
: to make an angry denunciation
—often used with on

Examples of tee off in a Sentence

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.
Set on a bluff slightly inland from Lake Muskoka itself, the resort allows players to tee off against a backdrop of incredible views. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026 The Tour Championship tees off in just a few hours at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. — Leondra Head, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 Getty Images The PGA TOUR Champions tees off in Vilamoura, Portugal, at The Els Club this week, marking the first time the tour has visited the country. — Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 At other tournaments, players who tee off late in the afternoon sometimes end up scrambling to find a dinner spot. — Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tee off

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tee off was in 1895

Rhymes for tee off

See All Rhymes for tee off

Browse Nearby Words

teeny-weeny
tee off
tee off on (someone or something)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tee off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tee%20off. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

tee off

verb
1
: to hit a golf ball from a tee in starting play on a hole
2
: begin sense 1, start

More from Merriam-Webster on tee off

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tee off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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