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

"If this player touches the ball with a punishable part of the arm then for sure, this should be a penalty kick," Collum said.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

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

A penalty kick by Messi gave Miami a 2-1 victory.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

Robert Mejia gets his second penalty kick goal.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

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