knee

noun, often attributive

\ ˈnē

Definition of knee

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a joint in the middle part of the human leg that is the articulation between the femur, tibia, and patella also : the part of the leg that includes this joint

b(1) : the joint in the hind leg of a four-footed vertebrate that corresponds to the human knee

(2) : the carpal joint of the foreleg of a four-footed vertebrate

c : the tarsal joint of a bird

d : the joint between the femur and tibia of an insect

2 : something resembling the human knee: such as

a : a piece of timber naturally or artificially bent for use in supporting structures coming together at an angle (such as the deck beams of a ship)

b : a rounded or conical process rising from the roots of various swamp-growing trees cypress knee

3 : the part of a garment covering the knee

4 : a blow with the bent knee

to one's knees

: into a state of submission or defeat

knee

verb

kneed; kneeing

Definition of knee (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to strike with the knee

2 archaic : to bend the knee to

Other Words from knee Example Sentences Phrases Containing knee Learn More About knee

Examples of knee in a Sentence

Noun I fell down and hurt my knee. She suffered a serious knee injury. His knees trembled with fear. He got down on one knee and proposed to her. His little granddaughter sat on his knee. Her jeans had holes at the knees. Verb His attacker kneed him in the stomach. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Francis has been complaining of strained ligaments in his right knee for months, and has recently been seen using a wheelchair at public audiences. — Nicole Winfield, ajc, 15 May 2022 Lanier dealt with knee injuries and other physical setbacks. — New York Times, 11 May 2022 The Ravens’ top two running backs, J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, are recovering from season-ending knee injuries, and their recovery timetable is unclear. — Jonas Shaffer, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2022 Hunter didn’t play as a freshman for South Medford, and only a few minutes as a sophomore while recovering from knee injuries. — oregonlive, 5 May 2022 The offensive tackle from USC only played two seasons with the Packers, starting in 14 games but dealing with knee injuries that ultimately short-circuited his career. — Jr Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2022 As knee injuries dimmed Bobby Orr’s megawattage, Lafleur emerged as the most dazzling player in the league. — Matt Porter, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Apr. 2022 Frederickson was a Pro Bowler as a rookie, but knee injuries wrecked his career. — Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 17 Apr. 2022 Back and knee injuries ultimately ended his career in 1987. — NBC News, 15 Apr. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The Cavs lost three players -- Collin Sexton, Dean Wade, and Ricky Rubio -- to knee injuries this year. — Ashley Bastock, cleveland, 16 Apr. 2022 Georgia was picked to finish last in the SEC this season and then lost two of its best players — P.J. Horne and Jailyn Ingram —to knee injuries. — Marc Weiszer, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2022 In addition to Williams and Metchie, Alabama also lost three running backs to knee injuries this season in Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, as well as five-star freshman Camar Wheaton, who injured his meniscus before the season and did not play. — Mike Rodak | Mrodak@al.com, al, 11 Jan. 2022 The Lions lost Jason Cabinda and Shane Zylstra to knee injuries Sunday, leaving undrafted rookie Brock Wright to finish the game as the only healthy tight end. — Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, 27 Dec. 2021 Finally, a woman is Pennsylvania had knee replacement surgery and then discovered that the Medicare Advantage plan had not authorized the procedure. — Diane Omdahl, Forbes, 12 Apr. 2022 Jaw to neck, shoulder to torso, hip to knee: a body of straight lines, design, intention. — New York Times, 29 Mar. 2022 Bueckers, with he knee injury and surgery, was out from Dec. 5 to Feb. 25. — Dom Amore, courant.com, 27 Mar. 2022 Get higher in these sikk knee high boots that have a vegan leather construction, platform soles, side zip closures, adjustable lace-ups, and thick buckle straps all along the front. — Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, 27 Jan. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'knee.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.