knock

verb

\ ˈnäk

knocked; knocking; knocks

Definition of knock

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to strike something with a sharp blow

2 : to collide with something

3a : bustle heard them knocking around in the kitchen

b : wander knocked about Europe all summer

4a : to make a pounding noise

b : to have engine knock

5 : to find fault

transitive verb

1a(1) : to strike sharply

(2) : to drive, force, or make by or as if by so striking was knocked out of the campaign

b : to set forcibly in motion with a blow

2 : to cause to collide

3 : to find fault with always knocking those in authority

knock cold

: knock out sense 2a(1)

knock dead

: to move strongly especially to admiration or applause a comedian who really knocks them dead

knock for a loop

1a : overcome knocked my opponent for a loop

b : demolish knocked our idea for a loop

2 : dumbfound, amaze the news knocked them for a loop

knock one's socks off

: to overwhelm or amaze one a performance that will knock your socks off

knock on wood

—used interjectionally to ward off misfortune

knock together

: to make or assemble especially hurriedly or in a makeshift way knocked together my own bookcase

knock

noun

Definition of knock (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : a sharp blow : rap, hit a loud knock on the door

b(1) : a severe misfortune or hardship

(2) : setback, reversal

2a : a pounding noise

b : a sharp repetitive metallic noise caused by abnormal ignition in an automobile engine

3 : a harsh and often petty criticism the knock on him was that he couldn't handle the pressure

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about knock

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Examples of knock in a Sentence

Verb

The ball knocked him on the chin. She knocked the glass from his hand. He knocked the baseball over the fence. The ball hit him in the mouth and knocked out one of his teeth. The wind knocked him backwards. The dog knocked against the lamp. My knee accidentally knocked against the table. Skaters were knocking into each other all over the ice. I accidentally knocked my knee against the table.

Noun

He gave him a knock on the head. There was a loud knock at the door. She took some knocks early in her career. He likes praise but can't stand the knocks.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Inferior technology is a common knock on credit unions. — Washington Post, "Millennial Money: Credit unions add flex to your finances," 6 Aug. 2019 The unusual knock stopped Seattle’s inglorious streak. — Chandler Rome, ExpressNews.com, "Houston’s Justin Verlander becomes majors’ first 15-game winner as Astros beat Mariners," 4 Aug. 2019 This was assumed to be the knock-out blow, the secret weapon held in reserve to blast the race apart. — Conrad Black, National Review, "Trump: A Brief History Thereof," 1 Aug. 2019 Drobot has said his companies never bought or used any knock-off screws or parts for spinal surgeries. — Teri Sforza, The Mercury News, "California man behind $1 billion spinal surgery fraud hid millions from government, DOJ says," 29 July 2019 That evening, Kegler’s neighbor called police again because Kegler wasn’t responding to the neighbor’s calls, texts or knocks on his door, the suit says. — oregonlive.com, "Man who said his dog wanted him to die killed himself after Oregon hospital discharged him, $2.5 million suit says," 24 July 2019 The custom coffee bar is made of walnut and has a coffee knock box. — Selena Barrientos, House Beautiful, "Hidden Potential Host Jasmine Roth Crafts a Coffee-Lover’s Dream with This Custom Bar," 23 July 2019 Cody Amato’s car was in the driveway, but nobody answered knocks on the doors, phone calls or a loud air horn. — Michael Williams, orlandosentinel.com, "Obsession, money, lies tore Grant Amato’s family apart. A jury will decide whether he killed them," 12 July 2019 Advocates are promoting videos in multiple languages - including Spanish, Urdu, and Russian - that immigrants can watch at home to prepare for the moment an immigration agent knocks on their door. — Anchorage Daily News, "Fear of immigration raids looms as plans for ICE ‘family operation’ move forward," 6 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'knock.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.