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
verbknelled; 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
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Time Traveler for knell
The first known use of knell was before the 12th century
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