white knight

noun

Synonyms of white knightnext
1
: one that comes to the rescue of another
especially : a corporation invited to buy out a second corporation in order to prevent an undesired takeover by a third
2
: one that champions a cause

Examples of white knight in a Sentence

a deserving cause in need of a charismatic white knight who will galvanize public support
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.
So Altman went looking for a white knight. Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026 When Paramount – a company in disarray and deep financial distress – started courting potential buyers in 2024, Ellison emerged as the white knight. David Goldman, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026 Separately, the company has been hit with sale speculation, most recently that Anta Sports could be a white knight for the brand. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026 The last cliffhanger revolves around the fate of Agence Grateau, for which Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) had to bring aboard a white knight due to financial losses. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for white knight

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of white knight was in 1628

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“White knight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20knight. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

Legal Definition

white knight

noun
: a party (as a corporation) invited to take over a corporation and thereby prevent its acquisition by another compare raider
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster