Knell — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈnel/

Meaning & Definition of Knell

Knell (noun)

  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

Knell (verb)

  1. to summon or announce by or as if by a knell
  2. to ring especially for a death, funeral, or disaster, toll
  3. to sound in an ominous manner or with an ominous effect

Knell (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make the clear sound heard when metal vibrates

    "the church bells knelled to mark the death of the nation's beloved leader"

    similar: bong, chime, peal, ring, toll
    related: chink, clang, clank, clash, clink, ding, ding-dong, gong, jangle, jingle, ping, plink, plunk, tang, tingle, tinkle, echo, resonate, resound, reverberate

Knell (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in ring, peal

    similar: chime, ding-dong, peal, ping, plink, ring, tintinnabulation, clang, clangor, clank, clash, whang, chink, clink, clinkety-clank, jangle, jingle, rattle, tang, tinkle, twang, clap, clip-clop, clop, crack, crash, crunch, clump, clunk, thump

  2. as in sign, signal

    similar: buoy, indicator, sign, signal, notice, notification, foretaste, foretoken, omen, portent, premonition, presage, announcement, declaration, caution, red flag, red light, tip-off, tocsin, wake-up call, warning
    opposite: all clear, go-ahead, green light, OK, permission

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Knell

The most common words with a similar meaning to Knell:

bong, chime, peal, ring, toll, ding-dong, ping, plink, tintinnabulation, clang, clangor, clank, clash, whang, chink, clink, clinkety-clank, jangle, jingle, rattle, tang, tinkle, twang, clap, clip-clop, clop, crack, crash, crunch, clump, clunk, thump, buoy, indicator, sign, signal, notice, notification, foretaste, foretoken

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Knell

Words with the opposite meaning of Knell:

all clear, go-ahead, green light, OK, permission

Related Words for Knell

ding, gong, plunk, tingle, echo, resonate, resound, reverberate

Word Forms of Knell

Inflections: knelled, knelling, knells

Origin & Etymology of Knell

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

First known use: before 12th century

Words & Phrases Containing Knell

sound/ring/toll the death knell

Frequently Asked Questions about Knell

What does "Knell" mean?

"Knell" means a stroke or sound of a bell especially when rung slowly (as for a death, funeral, or disaster). As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a stroke or sound of a bell especially when rung slowly (as for a death, funeral, or disaster). It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Knell"?

Other words for "Knell" include bong, chime, peal, ring, toll, ding-dong, ping and plink. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Knell" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Knell"?

There are 61 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Knell". Common alternatives include bong, chime, peal, ring, toll, ding-dong, ping, plink, tintinnabulation and clang.

What is the opposite of "Knell"?

Antonyms of "Knell" include all clear, go-ahead, green light, OK and permission.

How do you use "Knell" in a sentence?

Examples of "Knell" in a sentence: "the church bells knelled to mark the death of the nation's beloved leader".

Is "Knell" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Knell" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Knell"?

"Knell" is pronounced /ˈnel/.

What is the origin of the word "Knell"?

"Knell" comes from Middle English, from Old English cnyllan; akin to Middle High German erknellen to toll. First known use: before 12th century.