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Knell Definition & Meaning

knell
noun
  1. the sound of a bell rung slowly to announce a death or a funeral or the end of something
verb
  1. ring as in announcing death
  2. make (bells) ring, often for the purposes of musical edification; "Ring the bells"; "My uncle rings every Sunday at the local church"

"Knell" in song lyrics

See how knell is used in real songs:

  • "With a voice like a death knell"
    Atoms All Stars
  • "Then little strength rings out the doleful knell:"
    William Shakespeare — The Rape of Lucrece
  • "gary knell"
    AOL — AOL

Usage tips for "knell"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "knell" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for knell to find words that pair well.

Use "knell" in a verse

Now that you know what "knell" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

Generate a verse

Frequently asked questions

What does knell mean?
the sound of a bell rung slowly to announce a death or a funeral or the end of something ring as in announcing death make (bells) ring, often for the purposes of musical edification; "Ring the bells"; "My uncle rings every Sunday at the local church"
What part of speech is knell?
Knell is a noun and a verb.
How many definitions does knell have?
Knell has 3 definitions across 2 parts of speech (noun, verb).

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