kickoff

Or kick-off

[kik-awf, -of]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kickoff¹

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

Example Sentences

As Duncan warmed up more than two hours before kickoff, Nico Iamaleava stood behind his understudy, wearing sunglasses and the hood of his windbreaker pulled over his head.

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As the rain fell overnight, a maintenance crew armed with leaf blowers and giant squeegees worked up to kickoff to keep the field in decent condition.

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He’s also the kicker, punter and return man for kickoffs and punts.

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He has made 11 of 13 field goals and kicked 93% of his kickoffs for touchbacks.

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There was a foreboding feeling before kickoff for a home team whose stadium was awash in the color of the visitors.

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