kicker

noun

kick·er | \ˈki-kər

Definition of kicker

1 : one that kicks or kicks something

2 : an unexpected and surprising remark, revelation, or set of circumstances

Examples of kicker in a Sentence

The real kicker came when the chairman announced that he was quitting.

Recent Examples on the Web

This was the last time a straight-on kicker made an NFL field goal. — Michael Farber, SI.com, "Mark Moseley, Last of the Straight-On Kickers," 2 July 2018 That was a far cry from Clark’s humble beginnings with the team, when Montana confused him for a kicker when they were introduced. — Sam Farmer, latimes.com, "San Francisco 49ers legend Dwight Clark dies at 61," 5 June 2018 While the Dolphins have an open competition at kicker between Jason Sanders and Greg Joseph and even brought in rookie Lucas Gravelle to compete with the ageless John Denney, Haack is the only punter on Miami's roster. — Adam H. Beasley, miamiherald, "Jarvis Landry is long gone. Who takes his place on Miami Dolphins special teams? | Miami Herald," 14 May 2018 The addition of Carlson in Round 5 will potentially end what’s been a game of musical chairs at kicker. — Brad Biggs, chicagotribune.com, "Analyzing the drafts of the Bears’ three NFC North rivals," 28 Apr. 2018 Still, there are plenty of reasons for a team looking for a kicker to be interested. — Jon Hale, The Courier-Journal, "Who is Kentucky football's best chance for a 2018 NFL draft selection?," 25 Apr. 2018 While special teams has generally been a strength for Auburn in recent years largely thanks to the excellence of kicker Daniel Carlson, the Tigers fell off last season, particularly in its coverage units. — Tom Green, AL.com, "Kickoff, punt coverage was Auburn's biggest emphasis during spring practices," 16 Apr. 2018 Like when the wife of Buffalo Bill kicker Dan Carpenter tweeted that Richard Sherman should be castrated for a hit on her husband during a field goal attempt, Sharpe had a pointed response. — Langston Wertz Jr., charlotteobserver, "Who is the best sports talker on TV? Hint: He's got a southern drawl | Charlotte Observer," 2 Apr. 2018 Former Ravens kicker Matt Stover, who retired in 2011, founded the Beltway Boards + Brews Celebrity Cornhole Tournament fundraiser last year to benefit the PPF, his organization. — Katherine Fominykh, baltimoresun.com, "Ravens-Redskins cornhole 2.0 is recruiting players now," 7 June 2018

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

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Last Updated

9 Nov 2018

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Time Traveler for kicker

The first known use of kicker was circa 1580

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More Definitions for kicker

kicker

noun

Financial Definition of kicker

What It Is

In the finance world, a kicker is a feature that makes a security more attractive.

How It Works

Often, kickers are equity kickers, which are the right but not the obligation to buy shares of the issuer of a bond. These equity kickers come with the bond, making them more saleable to investors.

Sometimes, kickers aren't useful. For instance, they might offer the bondholder the right to buy shares at $8 a share, which only comes in handy if the shares are trading above $8. In those cases, the bond issuer might increase the coupon rate instead.

Why It Matters

Kickers get deals done. They make securities more saleable, and they help companies raise the capital they need to raise to grow. For investors, kickers can raise the gains or profits they might earn on a security.

Source: Investing Answers

kicker

noun