Definition

1. Verb:
   • To hit a golf ball from the teeing ground at the beginning of a hole: This is the primary and specific meaning in the sport of golf. It refers to the first stroke played on a hole, where the ball is placed on a tee (a small peg) to elevate it for the initial drive.
   • To begin or start something, especially in an energetic or forceful way: In informal, figurative usage, it means to start an activity, event, or process, often with vigor or intensity.

Usage Examples

• Verb (Golf):
  • The professional golfer will tee off at 9 AM sharp.
  • She teed off perfectly, sending the ball straight down the fairway.
• Verb (Figurative/Informal):
  • The CEO teed off the conference with an inspiring speech.
  • The band teed off their set with their biggest hit.

Advanced Usage

• "to tee off on someone/something": To criticize someone or something harshly and at length.
  • The critic teed off on the director's latest film, calling it a complete failure.
  • He teed off on the new company policy during the meeting.

Variants and Related Words

• Tee (n): The small peg used to support a golf ball for the first stroke on a hole; also, the area (teeing ground) where this stroke is played.
• Tee (v): To place a golf ball on a tee in preparation for driving it.
• Tee time (n): A reserved time for a group to begin play on the first hole of a golf course.

Synonyms

• Drive (v): (In golf) To hit the ball, especially from the tee, with a driver club. (Note: "Drive" is the type of shot, while "tee off" is the act of beginning the hole).
• Begin (v): To start.
• Commence (v): To begin formally.
• Lambaste (v): To criticize severely (for the idiom "tee off on").

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Tee up: To place a golf ball on a tee; figuratively, to prepare or set the stage for something.
  • He teed up the ball carefully.
  • The introductory remarks teed up the main speaker perfectly.

Related Idioms

• Tee off on someone: As described in 'Advanced Usage', this idiom means to launch into a strong verbal attack or criticism.
  • The senator teed off on her opponent during the debate.

Verb

1. strike a ball from the teeing ground at the start of a hole