kicker

noun

kick·​er ˈki-kər How to pronounce kicker (audio)
Synonyms of kickernext
1
: one that kicks or kicks something
2
: an unexpected and surprising remark, revelation, or set of circumstances

Examples of kicker in a Sentence

The real kicker came when the chairman announced that he was quitting.
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.
When opposing kickers lined up at Gillette Stadium, the video board displayed a reverse view of the kick, placing a second, offset set of yellow uprights directly behind the real ones. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Brandon Aubrey might be the only kicker worth taking in Round 11 or 12. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026 At 41 years old, the Falcons place kicker was the fourth-oldest player at an NFL training camp this year. — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Boise State freshman kicker Dan Goodale fired the potential game-winning 39-yard field goal far right of the goalpost as time expired. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kicker

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kicker was circa 1580

Rhymes for kicker

See All Rhymes for kicker

Browse Nearby Words

kick drum
kicker
kick in
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kicker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kicker. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on kicker

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for kicker

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kicker

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