kickoff

American  

[kik-awf, -of] / ˈkɪkˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

Or kick-off

noun

1. Football. a place kick or a drop kick from the 40-yard line of the team kicking at the beginning of the first and third periods or after the team kicking has scored a touchdown or field goal.

2. Soccer. a kick that puts a stationary ball into play from the center line of the field at the start of a quarter or after a goal has been scored.

3. the initial stage of something; start; beginning.

   the campaign kickoff.

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Etymology

Origin of kickoff

First recorded in 1855–60; noun use of verb phrase kick off

Example Sentences

It was the local chapter’s bimonthly meeting and also a kickoff event for a year during which they planned to build on an already impressive foothold in L.A. politics.

From Los Angeles Times

Seattle had been favorites since long before kickoff.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the most ambitious boycott fantasies, the U.S. will somehow be canceled as host nation, only weeks before the tournament’s kickoff.

From Salon

Shaheed set the tone for Seattle’s Divisional Round rout of the 49ers when he brought back the opening kickoff for a touchdown.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bad Bunny will play the halftime show while Green Day will perform ahead of the kickoff.

From Los Angeles Times