kickback

1 of 2

noun

kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak How to pronounce kickback (audio)
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 officialsD. 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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
Prosecutors say the employee got kickbacks: $233,000 of the $2 million in contract proceeds for Life Deeds and DSM. Cuneyt Dil, Axios, 7 Oct. 2024 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
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 See all Example Sentences for kickback 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kickback was in 1920

Dictionary Entries Near kickback

kick-ass

kickback

kick back

Cite this Entry

“Kickback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kickback. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

kickback

1 of 2 noun
kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak How to pronounce kickback (audio)
: a secret return of part of a sum of money received

kick back

2 of 2 verb

Legal Definition

kickback

noun
kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak How to pronounce kickback (audio)
: 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.

More from Merriam-Webster on kickback

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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