Meaning of the word knell in English
What does knell mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
knell
US /nel/
UK /nel/
Noun
1.
the sound of a bell, especially when rung solemnly for a death or funeral
Example:
•
The church bells tolled a mournful knell.
•
The distant knell echoed through the valley.
2.
an event or sound that signals the end or failure of something
Example:
•
The company's bankruptcy was the final knell for the local economy.
•
The new policy sounded the knell for traditional manufacturing.
Verb
to ring a bell, especially for a death or funeral
Example:
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The sexton began to knell the bell for the departed.
•
The bells knelled mournfully across the quiet town.