knell

[nel]

knell Definition

• 1. the sound of a bell, especially when rung solemnly for a death or funeral
• 2. an omen of death or failure

Using knell: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "knell" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The knell of the church bells signaled the end of the funeral.

• Example

  The company's bankruptcy was the knell of its business.

• Example

  The announcement of the new policy sounded the knell for his political career.

knell Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for knell

• toll
• chime
• peal
• ringing
• death knell

Phrases with knell

• death knell

  a bell rung to announce a death or funeral

  Example

  The death knell of the church bells echoed through the village.

• sound the knell

  to signal the end or failure of something

  Example

  The closure of the factory sounded the knell for the town's economy.

• knell of doom

  an omen of impending disaster or misfortune

  Example

  The sudden drop in sales was the knell of doom for the small business.

Origins of knell

from Old English 'cnyllan', meaning 'to ring'

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Summary: knell in Brief

'Knell' [nel] refers to the sound of a bell, especially when rung solemnly for a death or funeral. It can also signify an omen of death or failure, as in 'The company's bankruptcy was the knell of its business.' 'Knell' is often used in phrases like 'death knell,' and 'sound the knell,' which means to signal the end or failure of something.