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.
Smack became the first kicker to miss two field goals from 35 yards or closer in the same game since Mike Nugent did it for New England in a 27-13 win against Cleveland in 2019. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 After serving a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, one of the greatest kickers of all time is reportedly signing with the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 As was kicker Justin Tucker, signed by the Chiefs earlier in the day after emerging from a tryout Tuesday. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2026 The Kansas City Chiefs signed former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad. — CBS News, 28 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 1 Nov. 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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