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.
And Giants kicker Dominic Zvada, who missed three field goals in the contest, missed a 46-yard attempt on the opening overtime drive. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Just a week after earning C-USA Special Teams Player of the Week honors by converting all five field-goal attempts, kicker Robert Czeremcha missed twice, including a potential game-tying kick at the end of regulation. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026 Palinkas entered the game as placeholder for her husband Steve Palinkas, the Panthers kicker, on extra points. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 The decision backfired, as Rams kicker Harrison Mevis’s 48-yard game-winning field goal attempt was blocked by defensive end Greg Rousseau — much to the relief of Cook. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 13 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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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