genuflection

American  

[jen-yoo-flek-shuhn] / ˌdʒɛn yʊˈflɛk ʃən /

especially British, genuflexion

noun

1. an act of bending the knee or touching it to the ground in reverence or worship.

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Etymology

Origin of genuflection

First recorded in 1520–30, genuflection is from the Medieval Latin word genūflexiōn- (stem of genūflexiō ). See genuflect, -ion

Example Sentences

To her left, Melvin Gibbs played electric bass—sometimes nonchalantly, sometimes with one bent knee, as if in genuflection.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

At earlier hearings, university presidents opted for strategies of conciliatory genuflection or drab, lawyerly answers.

From New York Times • May 9, 2024

“It’s gracious. It makes a genuflection in the direction of Biden and America without actually giving anything away.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2023

Pay close attention to appreciate the artful genuflection to classics like “Excalibur.”

From Salon • May 21, 2021

She rose, and with a deep genuflection turned from the altar, and glided with downcast eyes to his side.

From The Abbess Of Vlaye by Weyman, Stanley J.