kickoff
word
Definition
In sports, especially football (soccer) or American football, 'kickoff' means the first kick that starts the game or a half. More generally, it is also used to describe the beginning of an event or activity.
Usage & Nuances
'Kickoff' is often written as one word in sports contexts and as 'kick-off' in British English. Commonly paired with 'meeting', 'event', or 'party' for event starts: 'kickoff meeting'. Can be both noun ('the kickoff') and verb ('to kick off'). In sports, only for the initial kick, not for regular plays.
Example Sentences
The kickoff is at 7 pm.
basic
We had a big kickoff for the new project.
basic
The team scored right after the kickoff.
basic
Are you coming to the kickoff party tonight?
natural
The CEO gave a speech at the kickoff meeting.
natural
After the kickoff, the crowd was full of energy.
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