kicker

noun

kick·​er ˈki-kər 

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 real kicker of the situation is that the company was set up as a franchise, which would then allow resellers to run the services and turn a profit. —Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026

Former Aztecs center Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli, edge Niles King and kicker Gabe Plascencia are among other potential free-agent signings. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026

Jerry Jones said the team is in the midst of being more aggressive to create a better squad and pointed to the record signing of kicker Brandon Aubrey as evidence. —Briauna Brown, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026

The latter was cut midway through camp, paving the way for Aubrey to begin the season as the team’s starting kicker. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for kicker

• bicker
• dicker
• flicker
• liquor
• picker
• quicker
• ricker
• sicker
• slicker
• snicker
• sticker
• thicker