A suffix (read ぞめ) attached to the masu-stem of a verb to indicate the first time of doing something (ever or in a new period). Example: 'kakizome' (first calligraphy of the year).
子どものころ、書き初めで大きな字を書いたのを覚えている。
I remember writing large characters for kakizome (first calligraphy) when I was a child.
新年には歌い初めや舞い初めなど、伝統行事が行われることがある。
In the new year there are sometimes traditional events like the first singing (utai-zome) or first dance (mai-zome).
スキー初めに友人たちとゲレンデへ行った。
I went to the slopes with friends for the first ski outing of the season.