kneel

verb

knelt ˈnelt How to pronounce kneel (audio) or kneeled; kneeling

intransitive verb

: to position the body so that one or both knees rest on the floor
The prisoners were ordered to kneel.
: to fall or rest on the knees
She kneeled on the floor next to the child.

Examples of kneel in a Sentence

She was kneeling on the floor beside her child. He was kneeling in front of the altar and praying.
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.
Prosecutors would detail more abuse at trial, including claims that Figueroa abused Raina’s siblings, then 3 and 2 years old, by forcing them to kneel on rice. Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 29 May 2026 An Ada County district judge has affirmed a jury’s decision to find a Meridian man guilty in a 2024 encounter with police that went viral after the arresting officer knelt on the man’s neck. Rose Evans updated May 29, Idaho Statesman, 29 May 2026 In photos, artisan Gianluca Galli can be seen kneeling before the mosaic, working carefully to restore the piece of history to its former glory. Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026 In the harsh winter of 1777-78, amidst the immense hardships faced by the Continental Army at Valley Forge, many believe Washington knelt in a moment of solitary prayer, seeking guidance and strength from God. Neda Ulaby, NPR, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for kneel

Word History

Etymology

Middle English knelen, from Old English cnēowlian; akin to Old English cnēow knee

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kneel was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kneel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kneel. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

kneel

verb
knelt ˈnelt How to pronounce kneel (audio) or kneeled
ˈnē(ə)ld
; kneeling
: to bend the knee : support oneself on the knees
kneeler noun

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