KO
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Knockout |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Sports |
KO has two meanings. It stands for Knockout (other sports) or Kick-off (soccer (Association football)).
Meanings of KO at a glance
| # | KO stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Knockout | Sports › Other Sports |
| 2 | Kick-off | Sports › Soccer (Association Football) |
1. Knockout
Sports · Other Sports Abbreviations · also used in science
Victory in boxing, MMA or kickboxing when an opponent is knocked down and cannot rise before the referee counts to ten, or is rendered unable to continue by a strike. A knockout ends the fight immediately.
Example: He won by KO with a left hook at 2:14 of the third round.
In boxing records, KO wins are usually listed separately from decisions; Rocky Marciano retired 49-0 with 43 knockouts. Fighting games such as Street Fighter popularized "K.O." on screen. The verb "KO" and "KO'd" spread into everyday English for knocking someone or something out. In soccer KO means kick-off.
2. Kick-off
Sports · Soccer (Association Football) Abbreviations
Start or restart of play from the center spot, at the beginning of each half and after each goal; also the scheduled starting time of a match.
Example: KO 3pm, but the game will not be shown live in the UK.
British broadcasters are barred from showing live matches that start at 3 p.m. on Saturdays, a rule meant to protect lower-league attendance. Since 2016 the ball may be kicked backward from the kick-off. In combat sports KO means knockout.
Related abbreviations
More other sports abbreviations
- HCP – Handicap
- HM – Half marathon
- IM – Individual medley
- ITT – Individual time trial
- KOM – King of the Mountains
- LBW – Leg before wicket
- LCM – Long course meters
- LL – Lucky loser
See all 63 other sports abbreviations →