death knell

American  

noun

1. a harbinger of the end, death, or destruction of something.

2. passing bell.

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death knell British  

noun

1. something that heralds death or destruction

2. a bell rung to announce a death

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death knell Idioms  

1. Something that indicates impending failure, as in His low scores sounded the death knell for his ambitions. The noun knell, used for the ringing of a bell since at least a.d. 1000, is rarely heard today except in this figurative phrase.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

death knell

It is a death knell for a long-held belief among media executives that putting content and the “pipes” that delivered it under one roof would create riches for all.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026

If “Superman” had opened to critical and commercial failure, it would have been a death knell for the modern superhero genre as we know it.

From Salon ● Jun. 27, 2026

Changing consumer tastes also spelled the death knell for the retailer, which has struggled like many High Street firms.

From BBC ● Apr. 27, 2026

Now, many are wondering: Is the death knell finally tolling for the Cuban Revolution?

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 16, 2026

On Old Wyk her uncle’s hellhom had blown a death knell for her dreams, and now Hagen was sounding what might well be her last hour on earth.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin