Definition of knell
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: a stroke or sound of a bell especially when rung slowly (as for a death, funeral, or disaster)
2
: an indication of the end or the failure of something
sounded the death knell for our hopes
knell
verb
knelled; knelling; knells
Definition of knell (Entry 2 of 2)
: to summon or announce by or as if by a knell
1
: to ring especially for a death, funeral, or disaster : toll
2
: to sound in an ominous manner or with an ominous effect
Test Your Vocabulary
Name That Color
-
- Name that color:

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share knell
Time Traveler for knell
The first known use of knell was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century