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

The bout features two of the most ferocious kickers in the sport, who are both coming off wins following two straight losses. — Dan Gelston, The Seattle Times, "Broad Street Bullies: UFC set to hit Philly for 3rd time," 29 Mar. 2019 Another Vikings kicker, Blair Walsh, missed a 27-yard game-winner in a frigid playoff game a few seasons ago. — Jason Gay, WSJ, "Lay Off the Bears Kicker!," 7 Jan. 2019 Though Darren Rizzi said last week that seventh-rounder pick Jason Sanders and undrafted rookie Greg Joseph have been about even in field-goal percentage, Sanders has clearly been the better kicker in practices open to reporters. — Barry Jackson, miamiherald, "What we should — or shouldn't — conclude from Landry's latest swipe at Tannehill," 13 June 2018 DRAFT OUTLOOK Dickson was the first punter or kicker drafted during the Carroll era and unless the Seahawks add substantially to their current four picks may not repeat that feat this year. — Bob Condotta, The Seattle Times, "Michael Dickson the answer at punter, but Seahawks still facing a question mark at kicker heading into 2019," 20 Feb. 2019 Before Danny's sophomore year, a teammate had an idea to get him on the field: Danny could get out of his wheelchair, kneel down, and be the player who holds the ball for the team's kicker during extra points and field goals. — CBS News, "A wheelchair doesn't keep this athlete from the football field," 4 Feb. 2018 Since then a popular strategy has developed where teams instruct kickers to kickoff high and often toward the sideline, short of the end zone, in an effort to pin the returner inside the 25. — Ken Goe, OregonLive.com, "Football coach Jonathan Smith and Oregon State Beavers bring the show to Beaverton: Live updates," 14 Apr. 2018 The tag for kickers/punters is expected to be around $5 million. — Joseph Person, charlotteobserver, "Carolina Panthers franchise tag candidates 2018 | Charlotte Observer," 19 Feb. 2018 If the game comes down to a field goal, rookie kicker Jake Elliott has a strong leg. — Creg Stephenson, AL.com, "Super Bowl 2018: Patriots vs. Eagles live stream, live score updates," 4 Feb. 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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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