kick in

verb

kicked in; kicking in; kicks in
Synonyms of kick innext

intransitive verb

1
: to begin operating or having an effect : get started
waiting for the heater to kick in
2
: to make a contribution
3
slang : die

Examples of kick in in a Sentence

if everyone in the department kicks in, we can give him an especially nice present for his retirement the ornery cuss finally kicked in at the ripe old age of 90
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.
Baltimore would have won the game if 24-year-old Loop made the 44-yard kick in the final moments, but the rookie was unsuccessful. Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026 In particular, city voters could be overwhelmed by being asked to dig deeper into their pockets after an array of fee increases — from trash collection to parking to use of recreational facilities — recently kicked in. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026 Chu invited Viel and Schreiber back to their home for the first time since the fire, reliving the intense moments when their instincts to help kicked in. Jasmine Viel, CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026 Olivia Rodrigo, meanwhile, is known to feature the kicks in her street style ensembles. Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 3 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kick in

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of kick in was in 1906

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Cite this Entry

“Kick in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kick%20in. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

kick in

verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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