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

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — A short week of preparation, a long cross-country flight and an early kickoff for West Coast body clocks presented the Rams with a challenge Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times

Before Sunday’s game, when the temperature was 59 degrees at kickoff, Nacua told Kupp he might go in and get some hand warmers.

From Los Angeles Times

Andrew Washington returned this kickoff with 10 seconds left for a touchdown to give Mary Star a 23-21 win over Dos Pueblos in Division 12 playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times

PST kickoff that will be televised by Fox:

From Los Angeles Times

Evans had handled kickoffs, so placekicker Joshua Karty will take on that role.

From Los Angeles Times