noun
Common
knocking
NO-kihng
Knocking (noun) means a repeated rapping sound, such as on a door. Example: “The knocking on the front door woke the baby just after dinner.”
noun
1
A repeated rapping sound, such as on a door.
"The knocking on the front door woke the baby just after dinner."
"We could hear the steady knocking of a woodpecker somewhere in the forest."
"There was a loud knocking at the window in the middle of the night."
2
A rattling or pinging sound from an engine caused by fuel igniting unevenly.
"The mechanic said the knocking in the old engine meant it needed attention."
"I noticed some knocking when I accelerated up the hill, so I booked a service."
"A persistent knocking from the engine suggested the fuel was the wrong grade."
How to use knocking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe sound of repeated knocks, whether on a door or from a faulty engine.
Common pairings
engine knocking
a knocking sound
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Word forms
- Plural
- knockings
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The _____ on the front door woke the baby just after dinner.
Related words
Rhymes for knocking
See all rhymes for knocking →Frequently asked questions
What does “knocking” mean?
The word “knocking” means a repeated rapping sound, such as on a door. In plain terms, the sound of repeated knocks, whether on a door or from a faulty engine.
How do you pronounce “knocking”?
“Knocking” is pronounced NO-kihng (/ˈnɑkɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “knocking” in a sentence?
Here is “knocking” used in a sentence: “There was a loud knocking at the window in the middle of the night.”
What part of speech is “knocking”?
“Knocking” is a noun.
Is “knocking” a common word?
“Knocking” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “knocking” have?
“Knocking” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a repeated rapping sound, such as on a door.
What causes knocking in a car engine?
Engine knocking is a rattling or pinging sound caused by fuel igniting unevenly in the cylinders instead of burning smoothly. This uneven combustion produces the characteristic metallic knock or ping that a driver may hear, often when the engine is under load.
What is the difference between "knocking" on a door and engine "knocking"?
When it refers to a door, knocking is a repeated rapping sound made to get attention or ask to enter. In an engine, knocking is a rattling or pinging sound caused by fuel igniting unevenly. The two senses share the idea of a repeated striking sound but occur in very different contexts.
What is the difference between "knocking" and "banging"?
Knocking is a repeated rapping sound, such as knuckles on a door, and tends to be firm but moderate. Banging suggests louder, heavier, more forceful blows. Knocking on a door is a polite signal, whereas banging implies urgency or frustration.
Is "knocking" always a bad sign?
Not necessarily. Knocking on a door is simply a repeated rapping sound used to get attention or ask to enter. Engine knocking, however, is a rattling or pinging caused by fuel igniting unevenly, and it is generally an unwanted sound that points to a problem with combustion.
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