verb A2 Elementary Common

knock

nok

Knock (verb) means to strike something, especially a door, sharply with the knuckles or an object. Example: “Someone is knocking at the front door.”

verb

To strike something, especially a door, sharply with the knuckles or an object.

"Someone is knocking at the front door."

To criticize someone or something.

"Critics knocked the film for its weak script."

noun

A sharp rapping sound, or a blow or setback.

"She heard a knock at the door and went to answer it."

"Losing the contract was a real knock to the company's confidence."

How to use knock

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo strike something sharply, or, figuratively, to criticize it — also the sound or blow itself.

Common pairings

knock on the door knock someone's confidence take a knock

Word forms

knocked past tense, knocks plural, knocks singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Someone is _____ at the front door.

Etymology

From Old English cnocian, "to knock, pound, or beat," an ancient Germanic word related to knuckle.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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rap tap bang criticize disparage bash

Related words

party hit bed charge touch click pop crisis

Rhymes for knock

ock cock mock rock lock sock dock bock hock jock tock clock

See all rhymes for knock →

Frequently asked questions

What does “knock” mean?

The word “knock” means to strike something, especially a door, sharply with the knuckles or an object. In plain terms, to strike something sharply, or, figuratively, to criticize it — also the sound or blow itself.

How do you pronounce “knock”?

“Knock” is pronounced nok (/nɑk/ in IPA).

How do you use “knock” in a sentence?

Here is “knock” used in a sentence: “Someone is knocking at the front door.”

What part of speech is “knock”?

Depending on how it is used, “knock” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “knock” come from?

The word “knock” comes from Old English. From Old English cnocian, "to knock, pound, or beat," an ancient Germanic word related to knuckle.

Is “knock” a common word?

“Knock” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

How many meanings does “knock” have?

“Knock” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to strike something, especially a door, sharply with the knuckles or an object.

What is the difference between "knock" and "bang" on a door?

To "knock" is to strike a door sharply, usually with the knuckles, in a controlled way to announce your presence. To "bang" suggests hitting harder and more loudly, often out of urgency or frustration. Knocking is polite; banging is forceful.

What is the difference between "knock," "knock off," and "knock out"?

To "knock" is to strike or to criticize. "Knock off" can mean to stop work, to reduce a price, or to produce something quickly. "Knock out" means to render someone unconscious or, informally, to complete something with impressive effect. These phrasal verbs have distinct meanings.

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