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.
Fatherley continued to kneel on Adair’s back and put pressure on his shoulder even after other deputies believed Adair had stopped resisting, according to statements in the KBI affidavit. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 15 Nov. 2025 At the end of the number, Bindi joined Robert and WItney on stage, wrapping their arms around each other's shoulders and kneeling before scenes of their childhood with late father Steve Irwin projected onto the ballroom floor. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Nov. 2025 As a military band played, pallbearers carried out the coffin past mourners kneeling in respect. Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 11 Nov. 2025 Below her, in the pit area of the venue, a man kneeled on the floor and held out a ring as his surprised partner stood with his hands covering his face in shock. Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025 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 23 Nov. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on kneel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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