knee

play

noun, often attributive \ˈnē\

Definition of knee

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 jointb (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 vertebratec : the tarsal joint of a birdd : the joint between the femur and tibia of an insect
2 : something resembling the human knee: such asa : 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

kneed

play \ˈnēd\ adjective

to one's knees

: into a state of submission or defeat

See knee defined for English-language learners

See knee defined for kids

Examples of knee in a Sentence

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.

Origin and Etymology of knee

Middle English, from Old English cnēow; akin to Old High German kneo knee, Latin genu, Greek gony

First Known Use: before 12th century

knee

verb

Definition of knee

kneed

;

kneeing

transitive verb
1 : to strike with the knee
2 archaic : to bend the knee to

See knee defined for English-language learners

Examples of knee in a Sentence

His attacker kneed him in the stomach.

Before 12th Century

First Known Use of knee

before 12th century

KNEE Defined for English Language Learners

knee

play

noun, often attributive \ˈnē\

Definition of knee for English Language Learners

: the joint that bends at the middle of your leg
: the upper part of your leg when you are sitting
: the part that covers the knee on a pair of pants

knee

verb

Definition of knee for English Language Learners

: to hit (a person) with your knee

KNEE Defined for Kids

knee

play

noun \ˈnē\

Definition of knee for Students

1 : the joint or region in which the thigh and lower leg come together
2 : the part of a garment covering the knee
3 : ¹lap She sat on my knee.

Medical Dictionary

knee

play

noun \ˈnē\

Medical Definition of knee

1a: a joint in the middle part of the human leg that is the articulation between the femur, tibia, and patella—called also knee jointb: the part of the leg that includes this joint
2a: the joint in the hind leg of a 4-footed vertebrate that corresponds to the human kneeb: the carpal joint of the foreleg of a 4-footed vertebrate