pickoff

1 of 2

noun

pick·​off ˈpik-ˌȯf 

: 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

Verb

• block
• intercept
• interdict

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

Noun

With the game slowly reverting to more running since the use of larger bases and limiting the number of pickoff throws, a catcher controlling opponents on the base paths becomes even more important. —Chuck Murr, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

During their pre-series meeting ahead of the 2022 World Series rematch, the Astros noticed certain tendencies the Philadelphia Phillies demonstrated on pickoff throws. —Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 28 Aug. 2024

Verb

Kerby Joseph, who now leads the NFL in interceptions this season, picked off a Purdy throw that sailed over Pearsall’s head. —Scott Thompson, Fox News, 31 Dec. 2024

In the third period, Heinola took a penalty by taking himself out of position in trying to pick off a pass and Stanley made a good heads-up pass slightly behind Nikolaj Ehlers that led to Winnipeg’s fourth goal. —Murat Ates, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1911, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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