kick ass

1 of 2

phrase

informal + impolite : to kick butt

kick-ass

2 of 2

adjective

informal + impolite
: strikingly or overwhelmingly tough, aggressive, powerful, or effective

Examples of kick ass in a Sentence

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.
Adjective
These are all kick-ass, talented, unbelievable filmmakers. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025 Rønning does get his own kick-ass score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, all ominous throbbing, but can’t come up with anything visually distinctive. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2025 Knight’s work includes SAS Rogue Heroes, Peaky Blinders and Eastern Promises, all of them featuring kick-ass, bone-crunching scenes. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kick ass was in 1970

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kick ass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kick%20ass. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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