kneecap
2 synonyms for kneecap, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The small, flat, roughly round bone at the front of the knee joint; the patella.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use kneecap
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a fractured kneecap
kneecap the deal
kneecap someone's chances
Etymology
From knee + cap, describing the cap-shaped bone that sits over the knee joint.
Full origin of kneecap →Frequently asked questions
What does “kneecap” mean?
The word “kneecap” means the small, flat, roughly round bone at the front of the knee joint; the patella. In plain terms, literally the kneecap bone, or, figuratively, to badly cripple someone's plans or chances.
How do you pronounce “kneecap”?
“Kneecap” is pronounced NEE-kap (/ˈniːˌkæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “kneecap” in a sentence?
Here is “kneecap” used in a sentence: “The impact fractured his kneecap.”
What part of speech is “kneecap”?
Depending on how it is used, “kneecap” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “kneecap” have?
“Kneecap” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the small, flat, roughly round bone at the front of the knee joint; the patella.
