knight

1 of 2

noun

ˈnīt 

1

a(1)

: a mounted man-at-arms serving a feudal superior

especially : a man ceremonially inducted into special military rank usually after completing service as page and squire

(2)

: a man honored by a sovereign for merit and in Great Britain ranking below a baronet

(3)

: a person of antiquity equal to a knight in rank

b

: a man devoted to the service of a lady as her attendant or champion

c

: a member of an order or society

2

: either of two pieces of each color in a set of chessmen having the power to make an L-shaped move of two squares in one row and one square in a perpendicular row over squares that may be occupied

knight

2 of 2

verb

knighted; knighting; knights

transitive verb

: to make a knight of

Examples of knight in a Sentence

Noun

He was made a knight.

Verb

He is to be knighted by the Queen for his career as an actor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The four-story home with turrets was meticulously renovated in 1980 to preserve original elements and spaces such as the knights’ and banquet rooms that reflect its journey through time. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 2025

Her outfits at the MTV Video Music Awards appeared twice on the list: Her performance outfit — a silver knight look — made it to sixth place, while her red carpet outfit weighed in at Number Four. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 30 Dec. 2024

Verb

He is being knighted for his services to mental health awareness, the environment and charity. —Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 31 Dec. 2024

Stephen Fry has been knighted in the U.K.’s annual New Year Honors list, while Carey Mulligan and Sarah Lancashire have been named commanders of the British Empire. —Ellise Shafer, Variety, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English cniht man-at-arms, boy, servant; akin to Old High German kneht youth, military follower

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing knight

• knight-errant
• knight-errantry
• knight in shining armor
• white knight

Kids Definition

knight

1 of 2 noun

ˈnīt 

1

a

: a warrior of olden times who fought on horseback, served a king, held a special military rank, and swore to behave in a noble way

b

: a man honored by a sovereign for merit and in Great Britain ranking below a baronet

2

: a chess piece that makes an L-shaped move

knightly

-lē

adjective or adverb

knight

2 of 2 verb

: to make a knight of

Etymology

Noun

Old English cniht "boy, attendant, warrior"