'kickboxing' originates from English, combining 'kick' and 'boxing', where 'kick' meant 'to strike with the foot' and 'boxing' referred to the sport of fighting with fists.

'kick' and 'boxing' were combined in the late 20th century to form the modern English word 'kickboxing'.

Initially, it meant 'a sport combining kicking and boxing techniques', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.