1
a(1)
: a mounted man-at-arms serving a feudal superior
especially
: a man ceremonially inducted into special military rank usually after completing service as page and squire
(2)
: a man honored by a sovereign for merit and in Great Britain ranking below a baronet
(3)
: a person of antiquity equal to a knight in rank
b
: a man devoted to the service of a lady as her attendant or champion
c
: a member of an order or society
2
: either of two pieces of each color in a set of chessmen having the power to make an L-shaped move of two squares in one row and one square in a perpendicular row over squares that may be occupied
Examples of knight in a Sentence
Noun
He was made a knight.
Verb
He is to be knighted by the Queen for his career as an actor.
Recent Examples on the Web
Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
One knight short for the trial of seven that will determine if he is freed or if he will be mutilated by the crown, Dunk appeals to the honor of all knights present, asking them to take up his cause.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 10 June 2026
ABC News, 12 June 2026
Elba noted in the interview that his lack of interest in himself stands at odds with his public image and the recent news that he was knighted by England's King Charles on June 2.
—Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for knight
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Noun
Of the 255 residential properties currently managed by the Royal Household, 145 are rented to current and retired staff, 21 to military, knights, and clergy members, and 7 to working royals.
—Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
One knight short for the trial of seven that will determine if he is freed or if he will be mutilated by the crown, Dunk appeals to the honor of all knights present, asking them to take up his cause.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 10 June 2026
Verb
Success in sports was also recognized on Friday, with Kevin Sinfield knighted for his glittering rugby league career and subsequent fundraising exploits to aid research and support families affected by motor neuron disease, a neurological disorder.
—ABC News, 12 June 2026
Elba noted in the interview that his lack of interest in himself stands at odds with his public image and the recent news that he was knighted by England's King Charles on June 2.
—Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for knight
Cite this Entry
“Knight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knight. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
knight
1 of 2 noun1
a
: a warrior of olden times who fought on horseback, served a king, held a special military rank, and swore to behave in a noble way
b
: a man honored by a sovereign for merit and in Great Britain ranking below a baronet
2
: a chess piece that makes an L-shaped move
knightly
adjective or adverb
-lē
knight
2 of 2 verb
: to make a knight of
Etymology
Noun
Old English cniht "boy, attendant, warrior"
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