Meaning & Definition of word "Knell"
Knell
/nɛl/
noun:
- 1. The sound of a bell rung slowly, often for a death or funeral.
- Example: The knell of the church bell signaled the beginning of the funeral service.
- 2. A sign or warning of the end or death of something.
- Example: The sudden closure of the factory was seen as the knell for local employment.
verb:
- 1. To ring a bell slowly, especially to announce a death or a funeral.
- Example: They knelled the bell in somber remembrance of those who had passed.
- 2. To announce or signal the end of something.
- Example: The report knelled the era of traditional retail.
Etymology
●From Old English cniellan 'to ring a bell,' related to the similar Middle Dutch knellen.
Common Phrases and Expressions
knell of doom:
A forewarning of a terrible event or end.
last knell:
Final notification of something that is ending.
Related Words
toll:
The sound of a bell rung slowly, especially at funerals.
mourning:
The expression of sorrow for someone's death.
Slang Meanings of knell
Meaning: A metaphor for inevitable failure or demise.
● Example Sentence: That failed project was the knell for our hopes to expand this year.
Meaning: A signal or indication of a negative outcome.
● Example Sentence: The lack of sales was the knell for the business, indicating it was time to close.