penalty kick

American  

[pen-l-tee kik] / ˈpɛn l ti ˌkɪk /

noun

Soccer.

1. a free kick awarded for an infraction committed by a defensive player in the penalty area and taken by the offensive player who has been fouled from a point 12 yards (11 meters) directly in front of the goal. PK

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penalty kick British  

noun

1. soccer a free kick at the goal from a point ( penalty spot ) within the penalty area and 12 yards (about 11 m) from the goal, with only the goalkeeper allowed to defend it: awarded to the attacking team after a foul within the penalty area by a member of the defending team

2. rugby Union a kick awarded after a serious foul that can be aimed straight at the goal to score three points

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Etymology

Origin of penalty kick

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

When the match resumed, brawls were still going on in the stands and Morocco’s Brahim Diaz failed to score with a weakly hit penalty kick.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Then in the dying moments of normal time with England 46-45 ahead, the referee gave France the option of a penalty kick from either of two positions, following infringements by Trevor Davison and Maro Itoje.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

"The panel were unanimous in their view that Burn commits a careless tripping offence on Outtara and that a penalty kick should have been awarded," the report noted.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025

Minnesota's Joaquin Pereyra missed the first penalty kick wide right and Thomas hurt a hand diving for the ball but stayed in the match.

From Barron's • Nov. 9, 2025

With twelve minutes to go, the Lightning drew within a goal, on a penalty kick.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John