knuckle

1 of 2

noun

knuck·​le ˈnə-kəl 

1

a

: the rounded prominence formed by the ends of the two adjacent bones at a joint

—used especially of those at the joints of the fingers

b

: the joint of a knuckle

2

: a cut of meat consisting of the tarsal or carpal joint with the adjoining flesh

3

: something resembling a knuckle: such as

a(1)

: one of the joining parts of a hinge through which a pin or rivet passes

(2)

: knuckle joint

b

: the meeting of two surfaces at a sharp angle (as in a roof)

c

: a pivotal point

4

knuckles plural : a set of metal finger rings or guards attached to a transverse piece and worn over the front of the doubled fist for use as a weapon

called also brass knuckles

knuckled

ˈnə-kəld 

adjective

knuckle

2 of 2

verb

knuckled; knuckling ˈnə-k(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

: to place the knuckles on the ground in shooting a marble

transitive verb

: to press or rub with the knuckles

Examples of knuckle in a Sentence

Noun

She rapped her knuckles on the table.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These are yardstick games because the Rams and Chargers can size up their chances against top-shelf competition — and because losing would feel to them like a ruler rapping across the knuckles. —Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

To fix the issue, dealers will inspect the front suspension knuckles and install a retaining bracket or replace the knuckle, as necessary. —Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024

Verb

Grimaldo ‘knuckled’ a free kick into the top corner to level the score and Leverkusen began to play with a startling lack of fear. —Rafa Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 14 Apr. 2024

Hold the weight in your right hand and raise that arm straight overhead, knuckles up. —Christa Sgobba, SELF, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English knokel; akin to Middle High German knöchel knuckle

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1740, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing knuckle

• bare-knuckle
• knuckle down
• knuckle-duster
• knuckle joint
• knuckle under
• white-knuckle

Kids Definition

knuckle

1 of 2 noun

knuck·​le ˈnək-əl 

1

: the rounded lump formed by the ends of two bones where they come together in a joint

especially : such a lump at a finger joint

2

: any of several parts (as the hock or shank or a tarsal joint) of the leg of a four-footed animal as used for food

knuckle

2 of 2 verb

knuckled; knuckling ˈnək-(ə-)liŋ 

: to place the knuckles on the ground in shooting a marble

Medical Definition

knuckle

noun

knuck·​le ˈnək-əl 

1

a

: the rounded prominence formed by the ends of the two adjacent bones at a joint

—used especially of those at the joints of the fingers

b

: the joint of a knuckle

2

: a sharply flexed loop of intestines incarcerated in a hernia