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

When a kicker boots the ball into the endzone, the opposing team's returner can choose to kneel rather than attempt a return; the result is called a touchback, and the returning team would receive the ball at the 25-yard line. —Becky Sullivan, NPR, 27 Mar. 2024

Among other nuances, the kicker will not be allowed to cross the 50-yard line until the ball is fielded, penalties from scoring plays will not carry over and fair catches from kickoffs will be eliminated. —Sam Joseph, CNN, 27 Mar. 2024

Place kicker Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs kicks the opening kickoff during Super Bowl LVIII against the San Fransisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11, 2024 in Las Vega. —Doha Madani, NBC News, 26 Mar. 2024

The kicker would still plant a tee at the 35-yard line. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024

And no one other than the kicker and returner can move until the football hits the ground or hits a player inside the landing zone. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2024

The kicker remains back on the other half of the field with the ball teed up at the 35-yard line. —USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024

Here’s how the hybrid kickoff works: The kicker will remain at the 35-yard line, but the other 10 players of the coverage team will line up on the opponent’s 40, across from the members of the return team. —Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2024

After a safety, the kicker will be required to kick off from his own 20. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1