kickoff

noun

kick·off | \ ˈkik-ˌȯf

Definition of kickoff

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a kick that puts the ball into play in a football or soccer game the opening kickoff

2 : the start of something : commencement the campaign kickoff

kick off

verb

kicked off; kicking off; kicks off

Definition of kick off (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to start or resume play in football by a placekick

2a : to initiate proceedings

b : to start out : begin the movie kicks off with a bank robbery

3 slang : die

transitive verb

: to mark the beginning of kick off the campaign

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about kickoff

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Examples of kickoff in a Sentence

Noun

At his campaign kickoff, the senator gave a passionate speech about combating poverty. His speech marked the kickoff of his campaign.

Verb

I'll kick off the discussion on ethics with this question. surprisingly, the recluse was worth a cool million when he kicked off

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Florida opens the 2018 season on Sept. 1 with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff against Charleston Southern. — Jordan Mcpherson, miamiherald, "The Gators' entire signing class is now on campus. Here are the numbers they will wear," 3 July 2018 The duo made an appearance in a photo during a family collage projected at the kickoff show in Cardiff, U.K., during a montage for what appeared to be a vow renewal ceremony. — Karen Mizoguchi, PEOPLE.com, "Beyoncé & JAY-Z Have a 'Small Celebration' in Europe for Twins' First Birthday: 'They're the Cutest'," 14 June 2018 The season includes a kickoff with the 90-piece Farmington Community Concert Band (Thursday), the Indian Musical Extravaganza with three different dance troupes (June 28) and local country singer-songwriter Lisa Mary & Band (Aug. 9). — Erin Podolsky, Detroit Free Press, "Summer concert series offer free music under the sun and stars," 13 June 2018 Vogueworld Selena Gomez Pulls an Anti-Festival Fashion Moment at Coachella For this weekend’s Coachella kickoff, Selena Gomez stunned fans at the music festival in Palm Springs, California, with a surprise appearance. — Vogue, "Selena Gomez Pulls an Anti-Festival Fashion Moment at Coachella," 14 Apr. 2019 The game was scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff, and has been moved back to accommodate the national TV schedule for the NWSL Game of the Week. — baltimoresun.com, "Digest (June 30): Randy Hippeard throws five TD passes, but Brigade upended," 30 June 2018 Her kickoff event aimed to raise $100,000, and instead netted more than $250,000. — Rebecca Gale, Marie Claire, "Elise Stefanik Is Going to Bring Women Back to the GOP," 25 Mar. 2019 Scott was also introduced at his Senate kickoff in Orlando by Puerto Rico Lt. — Steven Lemongello, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Bill Nelson, Rick Scott battle for Orlando's Puerto Rican vote," 5 May 2018 Ruiz recorded touchbacks on 69 percent of his kickoffs, but ASU still was No. — Jeff Metcalfe, azcentral, "Herm Edwards not forgetting about special teams in his remake of ASU football," 10 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The pair of projects kicking off the endeavor look mighty helpful indeed. — Brad Chacos, PCWorld, "Microsoft revives PowerToys with open-source tools for Windows 10 power users," 8 May 2019 The tour kicks off July 10 in Vancouver, British Columbia and ends on August 23 in Charlotte, North Carolina. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "The Untold Story of 'American Idol' Star Adam Lambert's Queen Audition 10 Years Ago," 29 Apr. 2019 So, yes, when the eight-team AAF kicks off this weekend, there will be no kickoffs as a nod to player safety and one of many twists to make games faster. — Bernie Wilson, The Seattle Times, "AAF kicks off without kickoffs, but with SkyJudge," 5 Feb. 2019 Also on Sunday, September 9, the new moon in Virgo kicks off our next lunar cycle. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What Your Sign's September 2018 Horoscope Predictions Mean for You," 30 Aug. 2018 All eyes could then be on Saturday's late kick off between Russia and Croatia, where the winner of that tie will face either England or Sweden for a place in the World Cup final. — SI.com, "Gareth Southgate Hints at Tactical Reshuffle for Sweden Clash Which Could See Spurs Star Moved," 7 July 2018 The caucuses for the 2020 election don't officially kick off until February 3 of next year, but even this far out, the race is already in full swing. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Julián Castro's Wife Erica Lira Could Be America's Future First Lady," 11 Apr. 2019 His latest tune comes shortly after American Idol kicked off season 17. — Megan Stein, Country Living, "Luke Bryan's New Single 'Knockin' Boots' Will Be the Soundtrack to Your Summer," 29 Mar. 2019 Kylie Jenner and Jordyn Woods have reportedly been seen in public together for the first time since the Khloé Kardashian/Tristan Thompson drama kicked off shortly after Valentine's Day. — Stacey Leasca, Allure, "Kylie Jenner and Jordyn Woods Are Reportedly Hanging Out Again," 10 Mar. 2019

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