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

Oddly enough, it was first popularized by Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey doing it in 2024 and unintentionally nailing a cheerleader in the head on the sideline in the process. —Nick Harris april 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026

The Dolphins have backed that mentality up by adding two punters, two kickers and two long snappers to the 90 player roster heading into next week’s start of the offseason program. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026

The examples provided in the letter of events that could be easily manipulated by a single person included whether a kicker would miss a field goal, a quarterback’s first pass being incomplete or a receiver missing their first target. —Jessica Golden, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026

Gano appeared in only five games last year, causing the Giants to deploy a carousel at kicker. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 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