kickback

1 of 2

noun

kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak 

1

: a return of a part of a sum received often because of confidential agreement or coercion

every city contract had been let with a ten percent kickback to city officials

—D. K. Shipler

2

: a sharp violent reaction

kick back

2 of 2

verb

kicked back; kicking back; kicks back

intransitive verb

: to assume a relaxed position or attitude

also : to spend time relaxing : take it easy

spent the weekend just kicking back

Synonyms

Verb

• bask
• loll
• lounge
• relax
• repose
• rest

Examples of kickback in a Sentence

Noun

Several company executives were accused of accepting kickbacks.

Verb

I plan to spend the day kicking back and watching television.

a good resort for people who want to kick back and watch others exercise strenuously

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Prosecutors say the employee got kickbacks: $233,000 of the $2 million in contract proceeds for Life Deeds and DSM. —Cuneyt Dil, Axios, 7 Oct. 2024

For a cozy kickback, snag the Etta Venue patio daybed with extra plush cushions and enough room for two people. —Shea Simmons, People.com, 5 Oct. 2024

Verb

So kick back, relax, and let someone else do the cooking. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Nov. 2024

Chena Hot Springs Resort, Alaska Nearest town: Fairbanks Prices from: $20 for camping / $200 for rooms a night Want to kick back in a remote hot spring while the green tendrils of the Northern Lights dance above your head? —Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 6 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1972, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing kickback

• anti-kickback

Kids Definition

kickback

1 of 2 noun

kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak 

: a secret return of part of a sum of money received

kick back

2 of 2 verb

: relax sense 4

Legal Definition

kickback

noun

kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak 

: a payment (as of money or property) made to one in a position to open up or control a source of income for the payor

convicted of receiving kickbacks for referrals

compare bribe, payoff

Note: A kickback is specifically a payment for income received or to be received. The word is usually not restricted to a return of funds.