In baseball, a pickoff is an act by a pitcher or catcher, throwing a live ball to a fielder so that the fielder can tag out a baserunner who is either leading off or about to begin stealing the next base.

The meaning of PICKOFF is a baseball play in which a base runner is picked off. How to use pickoff in a sentence.

A pickoff occurs between pitches when a pitcher throws a ball to a fielder, who eventually puts out or assists in retiring an opposing baserunner. An illegal pickoff attempt results in a balk.

He attempted a pickoff at first base. The pickoff was off target and went into center field. This pitcher has a great pick-off move.

Factsheet What does the noun pickoff mean? There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun pickoff. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Definition of pickoff noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Sep 21, 2025 · A pickoff is a defensive play in baseball or softball where the pitcher throws the ball to a fielder to make an out by catching a baserunner leading off a base.

Sep 10, 2022 · A pick-off is a play in which a baserunner is put out when straying too far from the base he is occupying. A pick-off cannot happen on a batted ball; it either takes place before or …

PICKOFF definition: a move in baseball which involves the pitcher throwing the ball to a fielder | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples in American English

Ever wondered about the mechanics behind a crucial pickoff play in baseball? This video breaks down how a pickoff works and the specific conditions that lead to a runner being called out.