Soccer, Rugby any kick awarded to a team as a result of a penalty given to an opponent; esp., in soccer, a 12-yard kick from directly in front of the goal, awarded for a foul committed by a defensive player who was inside the goalie's penalty box
See penalty kick in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
In soccer, a free kick on the goal defended only by the goalkeeper, awarded when a defensive player has committed a foul in the penalty area.