overhand knot

noun

: a small knot often used to prevent the end of a cord from fraying see knot illustration

Examples of overhand knot in a Sentence

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.
Instead, pinch the overhand knot and main line together with one hand. Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 18 Oct. 2023 A couple inches below the overhand knot, loosely tie a second overhand knot. Craig Caudill, Field & Stream, 12 July 2023 Tie a loose overhand knot with the double line without twisting the rope; leave a big loop at the end. Ben Demchak, Popular Mechanics, 3 June 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overhand knot was in 1840

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Cite this Entry

“Overhand knot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhand%20knot. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

overhand knot

noun
: a small knot often used to prevent the end of a cord from pulling apart see knot illustration

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