kickoff
B2Informal to neutral, widely used in business, sports, and general contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The act of kicking a ball to start a game of football (soccer) or similar sport; the moment a match begins.
The start or beginning of any event, activity, project, or process, often characterized by a formal or ceremonial initiation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. The spelling varies as 'kickoff' (AmE) or 'kick-off' (BrE) but often standardized without hyphen in modern usage, especially as a single event concept. Can function attributively as a noun modifier (e.g., kickoff time).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English traditionally uses the hyphenated form 'kick-off' more consistently, while American English prefers the solid 'kickoff'. In both, the verb phrase is always 'kick off' (two words).
Connotations
In both, the primary connotation is of an energetic or official start. In business contexts (especially US), it has strong project-management connotations.
Frequency
Very high frequency in sports contexts. Increasingly common in business/project management in both varieties, slightly more prevalent in American corporate jargon.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [EVENT] kickoff is at [TIME].We held a [ADJECTIVE] kickoff for the [PROJECT].The [SPORT] kickoff was delayed.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Kick off your shoes (relax) – note: this is the verb phrase 'kick off', not the noun 'kickoff'.”
- “A kick in the teeth (disappointment) – unrelated but phonetically similar for learners.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the initial meeting or event marking the official start of a project. 'The project kickoff is scheduled for Monday.'
Academic
Rare. Might be used metaphorically in humanities (e.g., 'the kickoff of the Renaissance'). Not a technical term.
Everyday
Most commonly refers to the start of a sports match. 'What time is kickoff?' Also used for parties or festivals. 'The street fair kickoff is at noon.'
Technical
In sports broadcasting/commentary, a precise term for the method of starting play. In computing, can refer to a boot process (less common).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The festival will kick off with a parade.
- Don't kick off, I'm just telling you what happened.
American English
- Let's kick off the meeting with introductions.
- The game kicks off at 1 PM sharp.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Not used as an adverb).
American English
- N/A (Not used as an adverb).
adjective
British English
- We need to finalise the kick-off time.
- He gave the kick-off talk.
American English
- Please review the kickoff agenda.
- The kickoff speaker was inspiring.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The football kickoff is at three o'clock.
- We ate lunch before the game kickoff.
- The project kickoff meeting is next week.
- What time does the concert kick off?
- A successful kickoff is crucial for team morale.
- The campaign kicked off with a major publicity event.
- The CEO's speech served as the kickoff for the company's new strategic initiative.
- Despite a problematic kickoff, the project regained momentum quickly.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a footballer KICKing the ball OFF the centre spot to START the game → KICKOFF = START.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEGINNING IS A KICK (forceful, energetic initiation); STARTING AN EVENT IS STARTING A GAME.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'kick' as 'удар' in isolation. The noun 'kickoff' is best translated as 'начало' or 'старт' for events, and 'начальный удар' only in football.
- Do not confuse with phrasal verb 'to kick off' (снимать обувь, начинаться, скандалить).
- The business 'kickoff meeting' is not 'встреча с ударом', but 'стартовая встреча'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'kickoff' as a verb (correct verb is 'kick off' – two words).
- Misspelling as 'kick of'.
- Using it for very quiet or informal beginnings where 'start' is more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'kickoff' used correctly as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun meaning 'the start', 'kickoff' (one word, AmE) and 'kick-off' (hyphenated, BrE) are both correct, though the solid form is becoming global. The verb is always two words: 'kick off'.
It is acceptable in business or sports reporting. For very formal academic or legal documents, alternatives like 'commencement' or 'inauguration' may be preferable, depending on context.
They are often synonymous in business. 'Kickoff' emphasizes the moment or event that starts a process (often internal). 'Launch' is broader, often public-facing, and can refer to introducing a product or service to the market.
Yes, specifically it is the first kick from the centre spot that starts the match or restarts play after a goal. It is a set piece with specific rules.