English Dictionary
Definition of “knell”
knell (nɛl
)
Definitions
noun
- the sound of a bell rung to announce a death or a funeral
- something that precipitates or indicates death or destruction
verb
- (intr) to ring a knell
- (tr) to proclaim or announce by or as if by a tolling bell
Word Origin
Old English cnyll; related to Middle High German knüllen to strike, Dutch knallen to bang
Usage examples
For me, the death knell of my carefree youth, the herald of sombre responsibility, was when I started having to buy lavender toilet paper.
Alex George, LOVE YOU MADLY (2002)Analysts view the ltte's assault as sounding the death- knell for the 15-month-long Norway's bid to broker peace.
India Today (2001)May the New Year's bell sound the death knell for this legislation.
SA Star (2004)The failure of the merger sounded the death knell for the British motor industry.
Glasgow Herald (2001)The ceremonial band at the gate intoned as yet no death knell for East Germany.
Jon Snow, SHOOTING HISTORY: A Personal Journey (2004)
