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.
Heisman Trophy winner are, also, almost always quarterbacks (kickers never win that). — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 The Falcons’ 41-year-old kicker, who’s entering his 19th NFL season, has seen many training camp arrivals and has no nervousness or anxieties. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 28 July 2026 The Packers’ quest for long-term kicker consistency post-Mason Crosby enters its fourth season. — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 27 July 2026 The Bengals won, 61-7, after Wyche had kicker Jim Breech kick a 30-yard field goal with 30 seconds remaining to assure the Bengals got that 60-burger. — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 27 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on kicker

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for kicker

Nglish: Translation of kicker for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kicker

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