kickoff

noun

kick·off | \ ˈkik-ˌȯf

Definition of kickoff

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a kick that puts the ball into play in a football or soccer game the opening kickoff

2 : the start of something : commencement the campaign kickoff

kick off

verb

kicked off; kicking off; kicks off

Definition of kick off (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to start or resume play in football by a placekick

2a : to initiate proceedings

b : to start out : begin the movie kicks off with a bank robbery

3 slang : die

transitive verb

: to mark the beginning of kick off the campaign

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about kickoff

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Examples of kickoff in a Sentence

Noun

At his campaign kickoff, the senator gave a passionate speech about combating poverty. His speech marked the kickoff of his campaign.

Verb

I'll kick off the discussion on ethics with this question. surprisingly, the recluse was worth a cool million when he kicked off

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Her kickoff event aimed to raise $100,000, and instead netted more than $250,000. — Rebecca Gale, Marie Claire, "Elise Stefanik Is Going to Bring Women Back to the GOP," 25 Mar. 2019 Scott was also introduced at his Senate kickoff in Orlando by Puerto Rico Lt. — Steven Lemongello, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Bill Nelson, Rick Scott battle for Orlando's Puerto Rican vote," 5 May 2018 Ruiz recorded touchbacks on 69 percent of his kickoffs, but ASU still was No. — Jeff Metcalfe, azcentral, "Herm Edwards not forgetting about special teams in his remake of ASU football," 10 Apr. 2018 Fifteen metropolitan areas have hosted the Super Bowl since its 1967 kickoff, and most of those have decidedly better outdoor conditions than Minneapolis. — Anna Orso, Philly.com, "As Minneapolis awaits Eagles fans, we sample some 'Minnesota Nice.'," 28 Jan. 2018 Within moments of Tuesday's confirmation hearing kickoff, top Democrats tried to sideline the session with a rapid-fire string of objections concerning access to the nominee's records. — Alex Pappas, Fox News, "Brett Kavanaugh to be grilled by senators in confirmation hearing, after day of partisan fireworks," 5 Sep. 2018 But news of the party’s kickoff, announced by the quiet, businesslike Shahbaz Sharif, was swept aside by blanket media coverage and fervid speculation on the court ruling and its probable impact on the Sharif family in the coming election. — Pamela Constable, Washington Post, "Pakistan court convicts former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in corruption case," 6 July 2018 As a result, the mood in the nation’s capital, where the game was shown on big screens despite the early-morning kickoff, was both somber and accepting. — Kevin Baxter, latimes.com, "Mexican fans will have to wait to get to 'fifth game' at a World Cup," 3 July 2018 The Chronicle caught up with Kiyoko at her tour kickoff in San Diego, right before the first weekend of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. — Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, "Hayley Kiyoko is the queer pop star the world needs now," 18 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The entire plot of Game of Thrones arguably kicked off before the series began, with the actions of the Mad King, Aerys Targaryen. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Game of Thrones Season 8: 18 Fan Theories to Know," 18 Mar. 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge kicked off Sunday with a visit to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards at Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow, England. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Kate Middleton Wears Custom Alexander McQueen for St. Patrick's Day," 17 Mar. 2019 Milan Fashion Week kicked off today with a masked parade at Gucci’s Fall 2019 show. — Corey Tenold, Vogue, "Corey Tenold’s Best Backstage Photos From Milan Fashion Week Fall 2019," 20 Feb. 2019 Washington and Beijing kicked off their latest round of trade negotiations on Monday, with discussions first held between midlevel officials at China’s Commerce Ministry. — Bob Davis, WSJ, "Chinese, U.S. Trade Negotiators Inch Toward a Broad Agreement," 15 Feb. 2019 The weekend kicked off with the teens attending rehearsals for the Grammys at the Staples Center and getting to see Chloe x Halle, H.E.R., the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Post Malone (a group fave) rehearse for their performances. — Seventeen, "These Teens Attended the 2019 Grammys Like IRL Celebrities and It's Total GOALS," 12 Feb. 2019 The 2019 Golden Globes kicked off with Sandra Oh and Andy Samberg's opening monologue, which included references to some of the night's biggest nominees. — Gabe Bergado, Teen Vogue, "Emma Stone Shouted "I'm Sorry" at the Golden Globes 2019 After Sandra Oh Called Out Whitewashing in "Aloha"," 7 Jan. 2019 The Golden Globes always kick off the year with some major fashion moments. — Ana Colón, Glamour, "Golden Globes 2019: Everything to Know About Chrissy Metz's Custom Tanya Taylor Gown," 6 Jan. 2019 Mercury in Aries kicks off a hugely refreshing spring-break moment for you. — Randon Rosenbohm, Allure, "What April’s Gemini Horoscope Means for You," 31 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kickoff.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.