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

In addition to a lip liner, stick, and gloss, this plumping product was the final kicker. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026

Beyond the operational improvements Danaher is famous for, there is a classic David-versus-Goliath story waiting in the wings that could hand Danaher and investors a nice kicker. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 16 July 2026

This offseason, Mougey has already signed or released five different kickers. — Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 16 July 2026

The busts of the other three members of the class — quarterback Drew Brees, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and kicker Adam Vinatieri — were created by the two other men who sculpt for the hall of fame. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 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