Knell
noun
The sound of a bell, especially when it's rung slowly because someone has died or a funeral.
The whole town heard the knell when the old man died.
Often appears as...
- death knell
- funeral knell
noun
A sign or sound that warns of the end or failure of something.
The reduction in funding could be the death knell for the project.
Often appears as...
- death knell
- sound the knell
verb
To make a sound, especially a bell ringing slowly.
The bell knelled through the silent night.
verb
To announce or signal, especially something unpleasant or disastrous.
The economic crisis knells tough times ahead.
Often appears as...
- knell the end
- knell disaster
noun
The sound of a bell, especially when it's rung slowly because someone has died or a funeral.
The whole town heard the knell when the old man died.
Often appears as...
- death knell
- funeral knell
noun
A sign or sound that warns of the end or failure of something.
The reduction in funding could be the death knell for the project.
Often appears as...
- death knell
- sound the knell
verb
To make a sound, especially a bell ringing slowly.
The bell knelled through the silent night.
verb
To announce or signal, especially something unpleasant or disastrous.
The economic crisis knells tough times ahead.
Often appears as...
- knell the end
- knell disaster
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Funeral Association
The word 'knell' is often associated with death and funerals, evoking a somber mood.
At the funeral, the somber knell of the church bell set a mournful atmosphere.
Pro Tip 2/2Slow Ringing
'Knell' implies a slow, steady ringing of a bell, different from quick chimes.
The slow knell of the bell marked the end of the vigil.
Pro Tip 1/2Funeral Association
The word 'knell' is often associated with death and funerals, evoking a somber mood.
At the funeral, the somber knell of the church bell set a mournful atmosphere.
Pro Tip 2/2Slow Ringing
'Knell' implies a slow, steady ringing of a bell, different from quick chimes.
The slow knell of the bell marked the end of the vigil.
Pro Tip 1/2Funeral Association
The word 'knell' is often associated with death and funerals, evoking a somber mood.
At the funeral, the somber knell of the church bell set a mournful atmosphere.
Pro Tip 2/2Slow Ringing
'Knell' implies a slow, steady ringing of a bell, different from quick chimes.
The slow knell of the bell marked the end of the vigil.
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Video examples
Explorers Festival,...
Geographic Society Gary knell good morning everyone and welcome everyone in the lounge where I know you're enjoying
Video examples
Explorers Festival,...
Geographic Society Gary knell good morning everyone and welcome everyone in the lounge where I know you're enjoying
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Rocky Carroll
American Actor
When movies work or a TV series, when they really work, it's because of the collaborative effort. Competition is the death knell for anything, in my opinion. Especially in Hollywood. When actors are competing against each other, or when directors are competing against actors, it's usually the beginning of the end.
Quote examples
Celeste Ng
American Author
The proliferation of styles, genres, and media need not be the death knell of anything. Instead, it's a sign that our acceptance for variation and experimentation has become wider, our interests have become more diverse, and our appetites have become more omnivorous.
Quote examples
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
American Politician
To be clear, climate change is a true 800 pound gorilla in the room. The effects of global warming threaten global environmental upheaval over the coming century. But for South Florida and the Everglades, it could be our death knell if urgent action is not taken.
Quote examples
Roger Scruton
English Philosopher
Cameron's resignation really was the death knell of the Conservative Party as we knew it because that's something a proper Conservative politician cannot do: renounce leadership at the moment when it's needed.
Quote examples
Darren Star
American Producer
Cable's on fire. Traditional broadcast TV's hearing a death knell. I sample as much television as possible. I like 'Homeland,' 'Game of Thrones,' 'Veep.' Now reinvention's important.
Quote examples
Garrison Keillor
American Writer
Humor has to surprise us; otherwise, it isn't funny. It's a death knell for a writer to be labeled a humorist because then it's not a surprise anymore.
Quote examples
Kristan Higgins
American Novelist
I think self-doubt, as grim as it can be, makes me a better writer. Stasis and hubris would probably be the death knell for my career.
Quote examples
Wesley Schultz
American Musician
I think the death knell for any musician is getting a job that you like and pays enough that you just stay there forever.
Quote examples
William Collins
English Poet
By fairy hands their knell is rung; By forms unseen their dirge is sung.
Quote examples
Elizabeth Fishel
American Writer
Comparison is a death knell to sibling harmony.
Quote examples
Rocky Carroll
American Actor
When movies work or a TV series, when they really work, it's because of the collaborative effort. Competition is the death knell for anything, in my opinion. Especially in Hollywood. When actors are competing against each other, or when directors are competing against actors, it's usually the beginning of the end.
Quote examples
Celeste Ng
American Author
The proliferation of styles, genres, and media need not be the death knell of anything. Instead, it's a sign that our acceptance for variation and experimentation has become wider, our interests have become more diverse, and our appetites have become more omnivorous.
Quote examples
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
American Politician
To be clear, climate change is a true 800 pound gorilla in the room. The effects of global warming threaten global environmental upheaval over the coming century. But for South Florida and the Everglades, it could be our death knell if urgent action is not taken.
Quote examples
Roger Scruton
English Philosopher
Cameron's resignation really was the death knell of the Conservative Party as we knew it because that's something a proper Conservative politician cannot do: renounce leadership at the moment when it's needed.
Quote examples
Darren Star
American Producer
Cable's on fire. Traditional broadcast TV's hearing a death knell. I sample as much television as possible. I like 'Homeland,' 'Game of Thrones,' 'Veep.' Now reinvention's important.
Quote examples
Garrison Keillor
American Writer
Humor has to surprise us; otherwise, it isn't funny. It's a death knell for a writer to be labeled a humorist because then it's not a surprise anymore.
Quote examples
Kristan Higgins
American Novelist
I think self-doubt, as grim as it can be, makes me a better writer. Stasis and hubris would probably be the death knell for my career.
Quote examples
Wesley Schultz
American Musician
I think the death knell for any musician is getting a job that you like and pays enough that you just stay there forever.
Quote examples
William Collins
English Poet
By fairy hands their knell is rung; By forms unseen their dirge is sung.
Quote examples
Elizabeth Fishel
American Writer
Comparison is a death knell to sibling harmony.
Example 1 of 10
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