kick in

verb

kicked in; kicking in; kicks in

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.
And then the fire really kicked in. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025 After the contact Following the Instagram communique, Kripalani’s indie filmmaking instincts kicked in. Sara Merican, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025 Insurers have to work on the assumption that Congress will not get its act together in time for new insurance terms to kick in before the sign-up deadline. Philip Elliott, Time, 30 Oct. 2025 The Senate is likely to leave Washington today as major benefit cuts are poised to kick in over the weekend due to the shutdown and as many Americans wrestle with rising health care premiums. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2025 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 4 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

kick in

verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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