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

His home was raided last fall as part of a corruption investigation scrutinizing city contracts and kickbacks, The News has previously reported. —Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2025

These donations were strategically routed to other campaigns that were clients of Redstone, ensuring Santos earned a financial kickback while boosting his political visibility. —Jason Volack, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2025

Verb

But this week, USA TODAY kicked back in New York City for a very special occasion: The launch of USA TODAY Studio IX, our new online destination for all things women's sports. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025

In season 3, spa manager Belinda Lindsey (Natasha Rothwell) kicks back with a copy of Thomas Erikson’s Surrounded by Narcissists. —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for kickback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

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.