kickback

1 of 2

noun

kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak 

1

: a return of a part of a sum received often because of confidential agreement or coercion

every city contract had been let with a ten percent kickback to city officials

—D. K. Shipler

2

: a sharp violent reaction

kick back

2 of 2

verb

kicked back; kicking back; kicks back

intransitive verb

: to assume a relaxed position or attitude

also : to spend time relaxing : take it easy

spent the weekend just kicking back

Synonyms

Verb

• bask
• loll
• lounge
• relax
• repose
• rest

Examples of kickback in a Sentence

Noun

Several company executives were accused of accepting kickbacks.

Verb

I plan to spend the day kicking back and watching television.

a good resort for people who want to kick back and watch others exercise strenuously

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For a cozy kickback, snag the Etta Venue patio daybed with extra plush cushions and enough room for two people. —Shea Simmons, People.com, 5 Oct. 2024

Several of her coworkers allegedly relied on vendors to provide kickbacks, according to the sentencing letter. —Paolo Confino, Fortune, 12 June 2024

Verb

Expect to see Taylor Swift in Kelce's suite at least one more time before the Eras Tour kicks back up in Miami on October 18. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 6 Oct. 2024

Season 2 kicked off with two Christmas episodes in Dec. 2021; the third episode is set to kick back off the season in early 2025. —Emily Longeretta, Variety, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1972, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing kickback

• anti-kickback

Kids Definition

kickback

1 of 2 noun

kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak 

: a secret return of part of a sum of money received

kick back

2 of 2 verb

: relax sense 4

Legal Definition

kickback

noun

kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak 

: a payment (as of money or property) made to one in a position to open up or control a source of income for the payor

convicted of receiving kickbacks for referrals

compare bribe, payoff

Note: A kickback is specifically a payment for income received or to be received. The word is usually not restricted to a return of funds.