kicker

noun

kick·​er ˈki-kər How to pronounce kicker (audio)
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 In the wake of the controversy surrounding Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s commencement speech, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is standing up for women everywhere. Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 21 May 2024 Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker's jersey is among the NFL's top-selling jerseys after his controversial commencement speech drew widespread criticism. Christopher Brito, CBS News, 17 May 2024 Lucas sent a letter Friday to Bailey expressing his concerns in the wake of controversies arising from commencement remarks Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made Saturday at Benedictine College. Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2024 His comments sparked widespread backlash and the FNL distanced itself from the kicker's comments. Lucia Suarez Sang, CBS News, 25 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for kicker 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kicker.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near kicker

Cite this Entry

“Kicker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kicker. Accessed 11 Jun. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on kicker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!