knee-deep

[ nee-deep ]

adjective

1. reaching the knees:

   knee-deep mud.

2. submerged or covered up to the knees:

   knee-deep in water.

3. deeply embroiled; enmeshed; involved:

   knee-deep in trouble.

knee-deep

adjective

1. so deep as to reach or cover the knees

   knee-deep mud

2. postpositiveoften foll byin
   1. sunk or covered to the knees

      knee-deep in sand

   2. immersed; deeply involved

      knee-deep in work

Word History and Origins

Origin of knee-deep¹

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

Raquell Barton was knee-deep in her doctorate program at the University of Memphis when her husband dropped a bomb on her: he wanted a divorce.

From Salon

In Bangkok's suburbs, crowds have waded in knee-deep waters hoping to catch blackchin tilapia with their plastic basins.

From BBC

Standing knee-deep in an emerald expanse, a row of trees offering respite from the sweltering heat, Rosa Morales diligently relocates chipilín, a Central American legume, from one bed of soil to another.

From Salon

He was knee-deep in attempts to overturn the 2020 election, even laying out a road map for the steal, and was jailed for ignoring a congressional subpoena.

From Los Angeles Times

When it rains, the family stays as long as they can, living in knee-deep water inside their small hut, sometimes for days.

From Seattle Times