KO

2 of 2

verb

KO'd kā-ˈōd How to pronounce KO (audio)
ˈkā-(ˌ)ōd
; KO'ing kā-ˈō-iŋ How to pronounce KO (audio)
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
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.
Noun
Beyond the Magnificent 7, the busiest week of the reporting season, has many notable companies scheduled, including Pfizer (PFE), Mastercard (MA), Domino’s Pizza (DPZ), Chevron (CVX), Exxon Mobil (XOM), McDonald’s (MCD), Coca-Cola (KO), and Berkshire Hathway (BRK/A, BRK/B). Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Chandler recently lost to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 by KO/TKO. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025 Sofas by Christophe Delcourt; vintage rattan armchairs; marble coffee table by Studio KO. Alice Cavanagh, Architectural Digest, 21 Apr. 2025 In fact, Coca-Cola stock (NYSE: KO) has recently reversed its short-term downtrend, suggesting there may be further upside ahead. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Chander wins in over 3.5 rounds (+500) Pimblett wins by KO/TKO/DQ in under 2.5 rounds (+400) Diego Lopes wins in over 2.5 rounds (+900) Check for more boosts for the NBA on Sunday. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025 In early 2025, Subway bid farewell to Coke (KO) in favor of its new beverage supplier, Pepsi (PEP). Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2025 It is being argued again that conservative voters would find the head of the MFA more palatable than the current KO candidate, Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 Saturday’s five-bout card at Sycuan will feature San Diego’s Jonny Mansour (3-0,1 KO). Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

knock out

First Known Use

Noun

1911, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of KO was in 1911

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“KO.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/KO. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

KO

1 of 2 noun
(ˈ)kā-ˈō How to pronounce KO (audio)
ˈkā-ō
plural KO's
: a knockout in boxing

KO

2 of 2 verb
KO'd kā-ˈōd How to pronounce KO (audio)
ˈkā-ōd
; KO'ing -ˈō-iŋ How to pronounce KO (audio)
-ō-
: to knock out in boxing

More from Merriam-Webster on KO

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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