# kick about

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kick-about
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to move something around, often a ball, in a casual or playful way.

For teachers: to move something around in a loose or uncontrolled manner; typically used with a physical object, often in sports or games.

## Examples

- The kids kicked the ball about the yard.
- During the game, the players kicked the ball about the field.
- The artist kicked the clay about the studio floor, shaping it into a sculpture.

## Usage notes

- takes a direct object — the thing being moved around.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'kick around' (to discuss something informally) and 'kick about' (to physically move something); both are phrasal verbs but differ in meaning and register.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.