knuckle

[ˈnʌkl]

knuckle Definition

  • 1a part of a finger at a point where the bone is near the surface, especially where the finger joins the hand
  • 2a joint of meat consisting of the part of the leg or shoulder blade nearest to the trunk, together with parts of the adjacent ribs and backbone

Using knuckle: Examples

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

  • Example

    He rapped his knuckles on the door.

  • Example

    She cracked her knuckles before starting to type.

  • Example

    The recipe calls for beef knuckles.

  • Example

    The soup was made with chicken knuckles.

knuckle Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for knuckle

Phrases with knuckle

  • apply oneself seriously to a task

    Example

    If you want to pass the exam, you need to knuckle down and study.

  • submit to someone's authority or control

    Example

    He refused to knuckle under to their demands.

  • rapping someone's knuckles

    reprimanding or punishing someone

    Example

    The teacher rapped his knuckles for cheating on the test.

Origins of knuckle

from Middle English 'knokel', meaning 'finger joint'

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Summary: knuckle in Brief

The term 'knuckle' [ˈnʌkl] refers to the bony part of a finger where it joins the hand, or a joint of meat consisting of the part of the leg or shoulder blade nearest to the trunk, together with parts of the adjacent ribs and backbone. It can be used in phrases like 'knuckle down,' meaning to apply oneself seriously to a task, and 'rapping someone's knuckles,' meaning to reprimand or punish someone.

How do native speakers use this expression?