KO

1 of 2

noun

(ˌ)kā-ˈō  ˈkā-(ˌ)ō 

: knockout entry 1

KO

2 of 2

verb

KO'd kā-ˈōd 

ˈkā-(ˌ)ōd

; KO'ing kā-ˈō-iŋ 

ˈkā-(ˌ)ō-iŋ

transitive verb

: to knock out (as in boxing)

Examples of KO in a Sentence

Noun

He scored a KO in the second round.

Verb

He was KO'd in the second round.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Rodrigues, entering with a 3-0 run since a February 2025 TKO loss, boasts two knockouts and a decision victory, including a March 2026 first-round KO. — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

It’s commonly known as a walkoff KO, and O’Malley has mastered the celebration in recent years. — Mark Puleo, New York Times, 15 June 2026

After a depressing four-year hiatus, Bus Palladium has been transformed into a 35-room luxury hotel with a bar, restaurant, and club by building owner Christian Casmèze and hotelier Nicolas Saltiel, with architecture and interiors by the design firm Studio KO. — Alexander Lobrano, Air Mail, 6 June 2026

The challenge of doing so, however, was twofold, says Karl Fournier, co-founder of Studio KO. — Lindsey Tramuta, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

knock out

First Known Use

Noun

1911, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1926, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for KO

• beau
• beaut
• beaux
• blow
• bro
• coe
• crow
• doe
• doh
• dough
• eau
• eaux

Kids Definition

KO

1 of 2 noun

(ˈ)kā-ˈō 

ˈkā-ō

plural KO's

: a knockout in boxing

KO

2 of 2 verb

KO'd kā-ˈōd 

ˈkā-ōd

; KO'ing -ˈō-iŋ 

-ō-

: to knock out in boxing