Understanding Kickoff, Kick-off, and Kick off

Words can be tricky! Let’s talk about three similar terms: “kickoff,” “kick-off,” and “kick off.” Even though they look alike, they have different meanings and uses.

History

All these words come from sports. In football (soccer or American football), the “kickoff” is when the game starts. Over time, these words began to be used in other ways, not just for sports.

Kickoff

“Kickoff” is a noun. It means the start of something, like a meeting or an event.

Examples:

• The kickoff for the big game is at 3 PM.
• The party kickoff is at 6 o’clock.
• School kickoff was fun this year!
• Let’s have a kickoff meeting before the project starts.
• The parade kickoff drew a big crowd.

Kick-off

“Kick-off” is also a noun and is often used the same way as “kickoff,” though some people like to use it with a hyphen. It shows the start of an activity.

Examples:

• The kick-off event was exciting.
• We planned the kick-off for next week.
• The kick-off ceremony went well.
• Everyone enjoyed the kick-off show.
• They held the kick-off at the park.

Kick off

“Kick off” is a verb. It means to start something, like a project or a discussion.

Examples:

• We will kick off the party soon.
• Let’s kick off the meeting with a quick chat.
• The play will kick off in five minutes.
• We hope to kick off our new program next month.
• They will kick off the event with a song.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Use “kickoff” or “kick-off” when you talk about a noun, like the start of an event. Use “kick off” as a verb to say that something starts.

Summary

“Kickoff” and “kick-off” are nouns for starting something, often used in different styles. “Kick off” is a verb meaning to start. Remember these tips, and you’ll use the right word every time!