knot Definition
- 1a fastening made by looping a piece of string, rope, or something similar on itself and tightening it
- 2a tangled mass in something such as hair or thread
- 3a unit of speed used for ships, equal to one nautical mile per hour
Using knot: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "knot" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She tied a knot in the rope.
Example
The shoelace had come undone and needed to be tied in a knot.
Example
The hairdresser spent an hour trying to untangle the knot in her hair.
Example
The ship was traveling at a speed of 10 knots.
knot Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using knot
Example
I tied myself in knots trying to figure out the answer to the math problem.
Example
The CEO decided to cut the Gordian knot and fire the underperforming employees.
Example
He would quit his job at the drop of a hat if he got a better offer.
Phrases with knot
Example
They're finally tying the knot after being together for five years.
in knots
feeling nervous, tense, or anxious
Example
I was in knots waiting for the test results to come back.
Example
He used a slip knot to tie the rope to the tree.
Origins of knot
from Old English 'cnotta', meaning 'a knot, knob, or protuberance'
Summary: knot in Brief
The term 'knot' [nɑt] refers to a fastening made by looping a piece of string, rope, or something similar on itself and tightening it. It also denotes a tangled mass in something such as hair or thread, and a unit of speed used for ships. 'Knot' extends into phrases like 'tie the knot,' meaning to get married, and idioms like 'tie oneself in knots,' denoting confusion or anxiety.
