knuckle

[ nuhk-uhl ]

noun

1. a joint of a finger, especially one of the articulations of a metacarpal with a phalanx.
2. the rounded prominence of such a joint when the finger is bent.
3. a joint of meat, consisting of the parts about the carpal or tarsal joint of a quadruped.
4. an angle or protrusion at the intersection of two members or surfaces, as in the timbers of a ship or in a roof.
5. brass knuckles.
6. a cylindrical projecting part on a hinge, through which an axis or pin passes; the joint of a hinge.
7. (in a wire mesh) a bend in a wire crossing another wire.
8. (on a chair arm) one of the ridges left at the front end by longitudinal flutes carved to accommodate the fingers.
9. Nautical. a pronounced edge formed by a change in the form of the shell of a hull.

verb (used with object)

, knuck·led, knuck·ling.

1. to rub or press with the knuckles.
2. Marbles. to shoot (a marble) from the thumb and forefinger.

verb phrase

1. 1. to apply oneself vigorously and earnestly; become serious:

      Just knuckle down for an hour or so and finish the work.

   2. Also knuckle under. to submit; yield.

knuckle

/ ˈnʌkəl /

noun

1. a joint of a finger, esp that connecting a finger to the hand
2. a joint of veal, pork, etc, consisting of the part of the leg below the knee joint, often used in making stews or stock
3. the cylindrical portion of a hinge through which the pin passes
4. an angle joint between two members of a structure
5. near the knuckle informal.
   approaching indecency

verb

1. tr to rub or press with the knuckles
2. intr to keep the knuckles on the ground while shooting a marble

Derived Forms

• ˈknuckly, adjective

Other Words From

• knuck·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of knuckle¹

1325–75; Middle English knokel (akin to Dutch kneukel, German Knöchel ), diminutive of a word represented by Dutch knok, German Knochen bone; -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of knuckle¹

C14: related to Middle High German knöchel, Middle Low German knoke bone, Dutch knok

Idioms and Phrases

• rap someone's knuckles

Example Sentences

Everyone says bare knuckle must be very dangerous and there is no protection, but I can honestly say that the pre-fight and after-fight medical care for my fight on Saturday was better than any boxing situation I have been in.

From BBC

I would never rule out a return to boxing, buy my goal now is to win a bare knuckle world title and become a two-sport world champion.

From BBC

You cannot spar without gloves when training for bare knuckle, so I had no real idea how it would actually feel to punch – and be punched – without protection on your fist.

From BBC

I needed a new challenge and bare knuckle fighting has always fascinated me.

From BBC

You do not want to land knuckle on elbow - bone on bone - although inevitably that is what happens.

From BBC

Related Words

• abandon
• capitulate
• cede
• commit
• concede
• give in
• hand over
• leave
• quit
• relinquish
• renounce
• submit
• succumb
• waive
• yield