knockdown
Americanadjective
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capable of knocking something down; overwhelming; irresistible.
a knockdown blow.
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constructed in separate parts that can readily be taken apart for easy storage, shipping, etc..
a knockdown toolshed.
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offered or acquired for less than the prevailing rate.
first-rate goods at knockdown prices.
noun
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a knockdown object.
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an act or instance of knocking down, especially by a blow.
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something that fells or overwhelms.
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reduction or lowering, as in price or number.
The store offered a knockdown of 15 percent to its own employees.
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Slang. an introduction, especially to a person.
He gave me a real knockdown to the company.
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Nautical. the capsizing of a small boat as a result of a strong gust of wind.
Etymology
Origin of knockdown
First recorded in 1680–90; adj., noun use of verb phrase knock down
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Kennard could have provided a critical floor-spacing piece around Doncic, who thrives when surrounded by lob-catching centers, athletic wings and knockdown shooters.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026
Even the neuroscientist Anil Seth, one of the most prominent skeptical voices on AI consciousness, concedes there is “no knockdown argument” that consciousness requires a biological substrate.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 10, 2026
SAN ANTONIO—The knockdown, drag-out Western Conference Finals are barely halfway over, and they’re already a modern classic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 25, 2026
Wilder was docked a point for pushing, and both men ended up on the canvas again in the 11th, though neither incident was ruled a knockdown.
From BBC ● Apr. 4, 2026
“No, he’s up, he’s up! Just a knockdown, more of a stumble, really…This fight is far from over...”
From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
