free kick

noun

: a kick (as in football, soccer, or rugby) with which an opponent may not interfere
especially : such a kick in any direction awarded because of an infraction of the rules by an opponent

Examples of free kick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In the 13th minute, Westview took advantage of a free kick just outside the penalty box on the right side of the arc, setting the sophomore. Breven Honda, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026 The Portuguese giant had been heading out of the Champions League on goal difference until the 6-foot-6-inch keeper rose superbly to head home a free kick and seal a dramatic 4-2 victory which put Benfica into the playoffs for the last 16. Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026 Germany offered little attacking threat, although a 30-yard Oliver Neuville free kick was turned onto the post by goalkeeper Marcos. Michael Cox, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026 The junior midfielder attacked the next defender almost the same way and drew a free kick just outside the penalty box to set the stage for a dramatic ending Wednesday night. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for free kick

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free kick was in 1862

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Cite this Entry

“Free kick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20kick. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

free kick

noun
: a kick (as in football or soccer) with which an opponent may not interfere
also : such a kick awarded because an opponent has broken the rules

More from Merriam-Webster on free kick

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