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

PST kickoff that will be televised by Fox:

From Los Angeles Times

Foster said he would have liked “a little more detail and intent” at practice Wednesday, referring to fumbled kickoff returns by Jadyn Marshall and Keegan Jones.

From Los Angeles Times

Jaylin Burt rushed for 101 yards and had this 71-yard kickoff return for TD.

From Los Angeles Times

Lemon caught the ensuing kickoff at the goal line, then cut suddenly upfield, shaking two Rutgers defenders.

From Los Angeles Times

But about four hours before kickoff, the Rams announced that Nacua had been activated to the roster.

From Los Angeles Times