onside kick

noun

: a kickoff in football in which the ball travels just far enough to be legally recoverable by the kicking team

Examples of onside kick in a Sentence

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.
And in 2012, prior to beating Denver South 17-14 at the Broncos’ stadium, Monarch used a slow-tempo offense and a successful onside kick to possess the ball for the entire fourth quarter in a 14-6 semifinal win over Pueblo West. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026 Cincinnati recovered the onside kick but went three-and-out and punted. — CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 The rule has been previously amended to allow onside kicks at any point in the game and not just in the fourth quarter. — Nick Harris april 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026 Three relate to kickoffs, including eliminating the previous requirement that a team had to be trailing to attempt an onside kick. — Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onside kick

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onside kick was in 1895

Rhymes for onside kick

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Browse Nearby Words

onside
onside kick
on sight
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Cite this Entry

“Onside kick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onside%20kick. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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