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.
Maye hit Boutte on a back-shoulder throw in Sunday’s win over the Saints that allowed the Patriots to kneel on the ball, drain the clock and emerge victorious. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 16 Oct. 2025 The accused were blindfolded and forced to kneel on a busy street. NPR, 16 Oct. 2025 Three hostages kneel in front of a camera, their hands tied behind their backs and their heads covered with black plastic bags that obscure their faces. T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025 The family of a man who died in the Wyandotte County Jail after a deputy kneeled on his back for over a minute is seeking a $25 million settlement, according to a letter from their attorneys. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 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 24 Oct. 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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