knack
nak
Knack (noun) means a natural skill or ability for doing something well, often something that seems to come easily. Example: “She has a real knack for fixing things other people give up on.”
noun
1
A natural skill or ability for doing something well, often something that seems to come easily.
"She has a real knack for fixing things other people give up on."
"He's always had a knack for making people feel welcome."
How to use knack
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA talent for doing something easily and well, almost like it comes naturally.
Common pairings
a knack for something
get the knack of it
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Word forms
- Plural
- knacks
- Third person singular
- knacks
- Past tense
- knacked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She has a real _____ for fixing things other people give up on.
Etymology
Recorded in Middle English originally for a sharp sound or sudden blow, likely imitating the noise itself. By the late 1500s the word had shifted to mean a clever trick or special skill — the idea of doing something with a quick, effortless snap.
Class of 1500
knack joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for knack
See all rhymes for knack →Frequently asked questions
What does “knack” mean?
The word “knack” means a natural skill or ability for doing something well, often something that seems to come easily. In plain terms, a talent for doing something easily and well, almost like it comes naturally.
How do you pronounce “knack”?
“Knack” is pronounced nak (/næk/ in IPA).
How do you use “knack” in a sentence?
Here is “knack” used in a sentence: “She has a real knack for fixing things other people give up on.”
What part of speech is “knack”?
“Knack” is a noun.
Where does the word “knack” come from?
The word “knack” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Middle English.
Is “knack” a common word?
“Knack” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
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