knell

1 of 2

noun

ˈnel How to pronounce knell (audio)
Synonyms of knell
1
: a stroke or sound of a bell especially when rung slowly (as for a death, funeral, or disaster)
2
: an indication of the end or the failure of something
sounded the death knell for our hopes

knell

2 of 2

verb

knelled; knelling; knells

transitive verb

: to summon or announce by or as if by a knell

intransitive verb

1
: to ring especially for a death, funeral, or disaster : toll
2
: to sound in an ominous manner or with an ominous effect

Synonyms of knell

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Verb

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Examples of knell in a Sentence

Verb the church bells knelled to mark the death of the nation's beloved leader
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.
Noun
What’s more, Reid and Sherrell said, condescension from medical providers over cultural beliefs or practices can be a death knell for public health. — Cara Kelly, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 The job loss alone might be a death knell for the Hollywood community, which Los Angeles County estimates could be in the thousands. — Mike Schur, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026 Experts suggest this isn't a death knell for American and European firms, who are strategically focusing on product refinement and reliability before mass scaling, aiming for sustainable market entry rather than rapid, potentially flawed, volume. — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026 For a big-market, win-now team like the Sparks, mediocrity is a death knell. — Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for knell

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English, from Old English cnyllan; akin to Middle High German erknellen to toll

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of knell was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing knell

Rhymes for knell

See All Rhymes for knell

Browse Nearby Words

Kneippism
knell
Kneller
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knell. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

knell

1 of 2 verb
ˈnel How to pronounce knell (audio)
1
: to ring slowly and solemnly especially for a death, funeral, or disaster : toll
2
: to summon, announce, or warn by a knell

knell

2 of 2 noun
1
: a stroke or sound of a bell especially when rung slowly for a death, funeral, or disaster
2
: an indication (as a sound) of the end or failure of something
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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