kneel

verb

knelt ˈnelt How to pronounce kneel (audio) or kneeled; kneeling

intransitive verb

: to position the body so that one or both knees rest on the floor
The prisoners were ordered to kneel.
: to fall or rest on the knees
She kneeled on the floor next to the child.

Examples of kneel in a Sentence

She was kneeling on the floor beside her child. He was kneeling in front of the altar and praying.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Medics rushed both men from the scene to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens, but they couldn’t be saved. Classmates and teachers from Bayside High School embraced and knelt to pray before the casket, which was topped with a portrait of Neo and covered with a massive bouquet of white carnations. Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025 The car service driver who took her to the cemetery noticed her mom's gravestone was covered by grass and, kneeling in his suit, cleaned it for her. Brittney Melton, NPR, 15 Apr. 2025 Boone was seen kneeling on one leg in front of the Queen’s guitarist, as May had his music moment. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025 When night fell, the husband and wife knelt on their clay floor. Erika Page, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kneel

Word History

Etymology

Middle English knelen, from Old English cnēowlian; akin to Old English cnēow knee

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kneel was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kneel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kneel. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

kneel

verb
knelt ˈnelt How to pronounce kneel (audio) or kneeled
ˈnē(ə)ld
; kneeling
: to bend the knee : support oneself on the knees
kneeler noun

More from Merriam-Webster on kneel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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