knighthood

noun

knight·​hood ˈnīt-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce knighthood (audio)
Synonyms of knighthoodnext
1
: the rank, dignity, or profession of a knight
2
: the qualities befitting a knight : chivalry
3
: knights as a class or body

Examples of knighthood in a Sentence

The Queen awarded a knighthood to the famous actor. For their bravery, they were rewarded with knighthood.
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.
To accept her knighthood, Victoria wore a black long-sleeve dress of her own design, while David wore a handsome charcoal double-breasted suit. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026 Brooklyn then missed the annual Beckham family fishing trip, did not post on social media in honor of David on Father's Day (but did post a tribute for his father-in-law’s birthday the same month) and skipped out on celebrations surrounding David’s knighthood ceremony. Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026 Capturing the story of a wandering hedge knight in Dunk, or a warrior without land or wealth, and his squire, a young boy, will steer Game of Thrones fans away from the medieval world of chivalrous knights protecting the weak and the innocent to a more realistic portrayal of knighthood. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 12 Jan. 2026 Elba received a knighthood for services to young people after launching prominent campaigns for youth empowerment and anti-knife crime. Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for knighthood

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of knighthood was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Knighthood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knighthood. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

knighthood

noun
knight·​hood ˈnīt-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce knighthood (audio)
1
: the rank, dignity, or profession of a knight
2
: the qualities that a knight should have
3
: knights as a class or body
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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