free kick

noun

: a kick (as in football, soccer, or rugby) with which an opponent may not interfere
especially : such a kick in any direction awarded because of an infraction of the rules by an opponent

Examples of free kick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web However, in quick succession, a free kick, two corners, another free kick and a hard shot by Monk resulted in zero goals. Jim Lindgren, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2024 In stoppage time, Cardinal Newman was awarded a free kick. Nathan Canilao, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2024 The first score came after a free kick, with Karla Nieto lobbing a ball forward for Ovalle. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 Liverpool seemed to settle fastest, drawing two free kicks in dangerous areas in the opening ten minutes that ultimately didn’t yield anything. Issy Ronald, CNN, 25 Feb. 2024 Messi had a shot go just wide and a free kick that also sailed wide. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2024 Messi missed two shots on goal in the same sequence, and a free kick during his time in the match. Safid Deen, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2024 The only goal of the section final came after a long free kick from 40 yards out by senior midfielder Abbie Oliver that found Holden in front of the goal. San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2024 And Australia’s slender lead crumbled in the 95th minute following Hwang’s penalty before it was left facing defeat after Son’s unstoppable free kick in the 103rd minute, and midfielder Aidan O’Neill was red carded for a dangerous challenge two minutes later. Issy Ronald, CNN, 3 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'free kick.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free kick was in 1862

Dictionary Entries Near free kick

Cite this Entry

“Free kick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20kick. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

free kick

noun
: a kick (as in football or soccer) with which an opponent may not interfere
also : such a kick awarded because an opponent has broken the rules

More from Merriam-Webster on free kick

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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