penalty kick

noun

1
: a free kick in rugby
2
: a free kick at the goal in soccer made from a point 12 yards in front of the goal and allowed for certain violations within a designated area around the goal

Examples of penalty kick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Messi added a fitting score — his 126th career goal for Argentina on a penalty kick in the 70th minute to set off collective chanting of the beloved icon’s name and more tears. — Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 The Pride forward converted the penalty kick to narrow the gap to 2-1. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026 Chawinga went low on the ensuing penalty kick, and Smith met it to keep Denver in the lead. — Spencer Baldwin, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2026 Two minutes later, Ally Sentnor converted the resulting penalty kick past goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn to put Angel City (11-8-6) ahead in Sandy, Utah. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penalty kick

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of penalty kick was in 1889

Rhymes for penalty kick

See All Rhymes for penalty kick

Browse Nearby Words

penalty goal
penalty kick
penalty pass
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Penalty kick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penalty%20kick. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on penalty kick

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about penalty kick

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