knot

noun \ ˈnät \

Definition of knot

1 a : an interlacement of the parts of one or more flexible bodies forming a lump or knob (as for fastening or tying together)

b : the lump or knob so formed

c : a tight constriction or the sense of constriction

my stomach was all in knots

2 : something hard to solve : problem

a matter full of legal knots

3 : a bond of union; especially : the marriage bond

4 a : a protuberant lump or swelling in tissue

a knot in a gland

b : the base of a woody branch enclosed in the stem from which it arises; also : its section in lumber

5 : a cluster of persons or things : group

6 : an ornamental bow of ribbon : cockade

7 a : a division of the log's line serving to measure a ship's speed

b (1) : one nautical mile per hour

(2) : one nautical mile —not used technically

8 : a closed curve in three-dimensional space

Illustration of knot

Origin and Etymology of knot

Middle English, from Old English cnotta; akin to Old High German knoto knot

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First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

knot

verb

Definition of knot

knotted; knotting

transitive verb

1 : to tie in or with a knot : form knots in

2 : to unite closely or intricately : entangle

3 : tie 4b

knotted the score

intransitive verb

: to form knots

—

knotter

noun

See knot defined for English-language learners

Examples of knot in a Sentence

He knotted his tie so that both ends would be the same length.
the extension cords were hopelessly knotted together

First Known Use of knot

1547

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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knot Synonyms

knot

noun

Definition of knot

plural knots or knot

: either of two sandpipers (Calidris canutus and C. tenuirostris) that breed in the Arctic and winter in temperate or warm parts of the New and Old World

Origin and Etymology of knot

Middle English knott

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

KNOT Defined for English Language Learners

knot

verb

Definition of knot for English Language Learners

: to tie a section of rope, string, fabric, etc., to itself or to something else so that a knot forms : to make a knot in (something); also : to connect (two or more parts or things) with a knot
: to develop a painful or uncomfortable feeling of tightness
: to make (the score of a game or contest) equal

KNOT Defined for Kids

knot

noun \ ˈnät \

Definition of knot for Students

1 : a section of rope or string that has been tied together to form a lump or knob or to keep something secure

2 : ²tangle 1 Comb the knots out of your hair.

3 : a painful or uncomfortable area in a body part

I had knots in my stomach.

4 : a cluster of persons or things

Down the table, the … ladies drew into a knot, to confer.
—Richard Peck, A Year Down Yonder

5 : the inner end of a woody branch enclosed in a plant stem or a section of this in sawed lumber

6 : one nautical mile per hour (about two kilometers per hour)

knot

verb

Definition of knot for Students

knotted; knotting

1 : to tie together in a way that cannot be easily untied I knotted my shoelaces.

2 : to become tense or tight

My stomach knotted while I waited for the dentist.

Medical Dictionary

knot

noun \ ˈnät \

medical Definition of knot

1 : an interlacing of the parts of one or more flexible bodies (as threads or sutures) in a lump to prevent their spontaneous separation — see surgeon's knot

2 : a usually firm or hard lump, swelling, or protuberance (as in a muscle or on the surface of a bone) or process