Synonyms of KOnext

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
With just one match to spare in the league phase, against Copenhagen at home, Barca is in a good position to not need a playoff for the KO stage as those finishing ninth to 24th do, while goal difference will also be important. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 And in March, coming after a successful first Bukhara Biennial, the Uzbek capital of Tashkent launches its Centre for Contemporary Arts in a tram depot reimagined by Studio KO, with Tadao Ando’s National Museum of Uzbekistan to follow. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026 Joshua has had 32 total fights with 28 wins including 25 by KO. Peter White, Deadline, 17 Nov. 2025 But generally, most of the Panthers’ KO returns seems to be around the 30. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2025 Then, while sparring one day, Benny found himself on the receiving end of a KO. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025 Antonio Clark 95-yard KO return TD. Josh Krockey, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025 On the feet, Prates is likely more dangerous and more likely to win by KO, but not by a huge margin. Brett Appley, New York Times, 16 Aug. 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 31 Jan. 2026.

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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