1
a
: sunk to the knees
knee-deep in mud
b
: deeply engaged or occupied
knee-deep in work
2

Examples of knee-deep in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Video footage of the area, released by Reuters, showed hikers trekking through a heavy blizzard and knee-deep snow. Chantelle Lee, Time, 6 Oct. 2025 In Denver, where the 61-year-old Payton is knee-deep in his next rebuild, a Parcells quote hangs prominently in the hallway of the team’s facility in Dove Valley. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2025 According to Alison Layfield, vice president of product development at parcel shipping services provider ePost Global, the strike is ill-timed for retailers and logistics teams that are already knee-deep in peak holiday season planning. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025 In the video, the tourist stands about knee-deep in the water in a soaking wet t-shirt and shorts. Colson Thayer, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for knee-deep

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of knee-deep was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Knee-deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knee-deep. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

knee-deep

adjective
-ˈdēp
: being up to one's knees
knee-deep in mud
knee-deep snowdrifts

More from Merriam-Webster on knee-deep

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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