1
: a return of a part of a sum received often because of confidential agreement or coercion
every city contract had been let with a ten percent kickback to city officials—
D. K. Shipler
D. K. Shipler2
: a sharp violent reaction
kicked back; kicking back; kicks back
: to assume a relaxed position or attitude
also
: to spend time relaxing : take it easy
spent the weekend just kicking back
Examples of kickback in a Sentence
Noun
Several company executives were accused of accepting kickbacks.
Verb
I plan to spend the day kicking back and watching television.
a good resort for people who want to kick back and watch others exercise strenuously
Recent Examples on the Web
Cuneyt Dil, Axios, 7 Oct. 2024
For a cozy kickback, snag the Etta Venue patio daybed with extra plush cushions and enough room for two people.
—Shea Simmons, People.com, 5 Oct. 2024
Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 28 Oct. 2024
Setting Wrapped in a Modern Package Take a dip in the gunite pool before kicking back in one of the two alfresco entertaining rooms.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for kickback 
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Noun
Prosecutors say the employee got kickbacks: $233,000 of the $2 million in contract proceeds for Life Deeds and DSM.
—Cuneyt Dil, Axios, 7 Oct. 2024
For a cozy kickback, snag the Etta Venue patio daybed with extra plush cushions and enough room for two people.
—Shea Simmons, People.com, 5 Oct. 2024
Verb
In addition to kicking back on the spotless beach, the family vacay included fun times at the resort’s waterpark and enjoying their signature Sesame Street character breakfast.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 28 Oct. 2024
Setting Wrapped in a Modern Package Take a dip in the gunite pool before kicking back in one of the two alfresco entertaining rooms.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for kickback
Articles Related to kickback
Dictionary Entries Near kickback
Cite this Entry
“Kickback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kickback. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
kickback
1 of 2 noun
kick·back
ˈkik-ˌbak 
: a secret return of part of a sum of money received
kick back
2 of 2 verbLegal Definition
kickback
noun
kick·back
ˈkik-ˌbak
: a payment (as of money or property) made to one in a position to open up or control a source of income for the payor
convicted of receiving kickbacks for referrals
compare bribe, payoff
Note: A kickback is specifically a payment for income received or to be received. The word is usually not restricted to a return of funds.
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