knighthood

noun

knight·​hood ˈnīt-ˌhu̇d 

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

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

The former is the highest honor prior to earning the title of Sir or Dame with a knighthood or damehood. —Thomas Smith, Billboard, 30 Dec. 2025

In November, Brooklyn Beckham did not attend dad David Beckham's knighthood celebration, given by King Charles. —Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025

Kerry will be called that because Massachusetts’ less than favorite son received an honorary knighthood a week ago by King Charles III for Sir John’s contribution to saving the planet as Joe Biden’s Climate Czar. —Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for knighthood

• allgood
• basswood
• beechwood
• bellwood
• birchwood
• boxwood
• boyhood
• brushwood
• childhood
• cordwood
• dogwood
• driftwood

Kids Definition

knighthood

noun

knight·​hood ˈnīt-ˌhu̇d 

1

: the rank, dignity, or profession of a knight

2

: the qualities that a knight should have

3

: knights as a class or body