noun

kickback

KIHK-bak

Kickback (noun) means a secret, illegal payment made in return for helping arrange a deal or contract — a type of bribe. Example: “The contractor paid a kickback to the official who approved the deal.”

noun

A secret, illegal payment made in return for helping arrange a deal or contract — a type of bribe.

"The contractor paid a kickback to the official who approved the deal."

"Investigators found evidence of kickbacks between the supplier and the purchasing manager."

A sudden, forceful backward jerk of a tool or machine, such as a saw blade catching and snapping back toward the operator.

"The chainsaw kickback nearly hit him in the face."

"Always hold the tool firmly to control any kickback."

How to use kickback

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither an illegal secret payment for a favour, or the violent backward jolt of a machine or blade.

Common mistake

In business contexts it always implies something illegal or unethical — it is not a neutral word for "commission."

Common pairings

pay a kickback receive kickbacks chainsaw kickback

Word forms

kickbacks plural

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The contractor paid a _____ to the official who approved the deal.

Etymology

From "kick" + "back" — literally something that kicks back at you, whether a payment returned in secret or a tool recoiling.

Frequently asked questions

What does “kickback” mean?

The word “kickback” means a secret, illegal payment made in return for helping arrange a deal or contract — a type of bribe. In plain terms, either an illegal secret payment for a favour, or the violent backward jolt of a machine or blade.

How do you pronounce “kickback”?

“Kickback” is pronounced KIHK-bak (/ˈkɪkbæk/ in IPA).

How do you use “kickback” in a sentence?

Here is “kickback” used in a sentence: “The contractor paid a kickback to the official who approved the deal.”

What part of speech is “kickback”?

“Kickback” is a noun.

How many meanings does “kickback” have?

“Kickback” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a secret, illegal payment made in return for helping arrange a deal or contract — a type of bribe.