noun
Common
knight
NYT
Knight (noun) means In medieval Europe, an armoured warrior on horseback who served a lord, typically after training as a page and squire. Example: “Each young squire trained for years hoping to become a knight.”
noun
1
In medieval Europe, an armoured warrior on horseback who served a lord, typically after training as a page and squire.
"Each young squire trained for years hoping to become a knight."
"A knight swore loyalty to his lord before the whole castle."
"The knight rode into battle wearing full plate armour."
2
In Britain, a man who has been honoured by the monarch for outstanding achievement and is entitled to use "Sir" before his name.
"The actor became a knight after decades of work in the theatre."
"Whenever a knight visits the village, the school children line up to greet him."
"He was made a knight for his services to charity."
3
A chess piece, usually shaped like a horse's head, that moves in an L-shape and can jump over other pieces.
"My brother always forgets that a knight can jump over other pieces."
"The knight in the corner of the board looked ready to move."
"She moved her knight to threaten his queen."
verb
1
To formally confer a knighthood on someone.
"The king chose to knight the brave sailor in front of the court."
"She was knighted at the palace after many years of service to music."
"The Queen knighted the scientist for his contribution to medicine."
How to use knight
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA medieval armoured warrior, a modern honorary title ("Sir"), or a piece in chess.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a knight in shining armour
be knighted
the knight's move
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Word forms
- Plural
- knights
- Third person singular
- knights
- Past tense
- knighted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Each young squire trained for years hoping to become a _____.
Etymology
From Old English cniht, originally meaning simply "boy" or "servant" — the meaning shifted over centuries to "mounted warrior" and then "honoured title."
Related words
Rhymes for knight
See all rhymes for knight →Frequently asked questions
What does “knight” mean?
The word “knight” means in medieval Europe, an armoured warrior on horseback who served a lord, typically after training as a page and squire. In plain terms, a medieval armoured warrior, a modern honorary title ("Sir"), or a piece in chess.
How do you pronounce “knight”?
“Knight” is pronounced NYT (/ˈnaɪ̯t/ in IPA).
How do you use “knight” in a sentence?
Here is “knight” used in a sentence: “The knight rode into battle wearing full plate armour.”
What is another word for “knight”?
Words with a similar meaning to “knight” include dub.
What part of speech is “knight”?
Depending on how it is used, “knight” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “knight” come from?
The word “knight” comes from Old English. From Old English cniht, originally meaning simply "boy" or "servant" — the meaning shifted over centuries to "mounted warrior" and then "honoured title.".
Is “knight” a common word?
“Knight” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “knight” have?
“Knight” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in medieval Europe, an armoured warrior on horseback who served a lord, typically after training as a page and squire.
What is the difference between a "knight" and a "squire"?
A squire was a young man who served and trained under a knight, the stage before being knighted himself. A knight was the fully trained armoured warrior on horseback; a boy usually served first as a page, then a squire, before becoming a knight.
What title does a British "knight" use?
A man who has been knighted by the monarch is entitled to place "Sir" before his name, as in "Sir Paul." A woman given the equivalent honour is called a "Dame" rather than a knight.
What is the difference between a "knight" and a "lord"?
A knight served a lord and held the lowest rank of the medieval nobility, earned through military service. A lord held a higher, often hereditary rank with authority over land and the knights who served him.
How does someone become a "knight" in Britain today?
In modern Britain, a man is made a knight when the monarch honours him for outstanding achievement, usually in a formal ceremony. Once knighted, he may use "Sir" before his name.
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