Knell: meaning, definitions and examples

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knell

[ nɛl ]

^{Context #1}

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}

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.