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Knell: meaning, definitions and examples

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knell

 

[ nɛl ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

funeral ceremony

The sound of a bell, especially when rung solemnly for a death or funeral.

Synonyms

death knell, funeral bell, toll

Examples of usage

  • The knell of the church bell echoed through the village as the funeral procession passed by.
  • The mournful knell of the bell signaled the end of an era for the small town.
Context #2 | Verb

signal the end of something

To ring a bell slowly and solemnly, especially to indicate a death or the end of something.

Synonyms

chime, ring solemnly, toll

Examples of usage

  • The final chime knelled the end of the day's proceedings.
  • The church bells knelled the passing of a great leader.

Translations

Translations of the word "knell" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dobrar do sino

🇮🇳 अंतिम घंटा

🇩🇪 Totenglocke

🇮🇩 lonceng kematian

🇺🇦 поминальний дзвін

🇵🇱 dzwon pogrzebowy

🇯🇵 弔鐘 (ちょうしょう)

🇫🇷 glas

🇪🇸 tañido fúnebre

🇹🇷 cenaze çanı

🇰🇷 죽음을 알리는 종소리

🇸🇦 جرس الموت

🇨🇿 umíráček

🇸🇰 umieračik

🇨🇳 丧钟 (sàngzhōng)

🇸🇮 smrtni zvon

🇮🇸 dauðabjallan

🇰🇿 өлім қоңырауы

🇬🇪 სასწაული ზარი

🇦🇿 ölüm zəngi

🇲🇽 tañido fúnebre

Word origin

The word 'knell' originates from the Old English word 'cnyll' or 'cnell,' which meant the sound of a bell when rung slowly and solemnly. The use of bells to mark death or funerals has been a long-standing tradition in many cultures, symbolizing the passing of a soul from this world to the next. The haunting sound of a knell has a deep emotional impact, evoking feelings of loss, mourning, and finality.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,872, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.