white knight
Americannoun
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a hero who comes to the rescue.
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a beleaguered champion who fights heroically for a cause, as in politics.
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Informal. a company that comes to the rescue of another, as to prevent a takeover.
noun
Usage
What else does white knight mean? In internet slang, a white knight is a man who comes to the unsolicited defense of a woman online, in the hopes of romantic or sexual favor. A white knight can also more generally refer to someone who rushes to the defense of another online, usually a person whose actions aren’t seen as worthy of defense. How is white knight pronounced?[ wahyt nahyt ]What are some other forms of white knight?white-knightingWhat are some other words related to white knight?
- nice guy
- mansplain
Etymology
Origin of white knight
First recorded in 1890–95
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.
Despite endless questions about the future, they still had a tournament to host, and LIV Golf's white knight was in town - "the investor", as he was most frequently described.
From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026
Given its size advantage, Chubb probably can buy AIG if it wants, though if deal talks did develop, it is possible that AIG could look to a white knight in Berkshire Hathaway.
From Barron's ● Dec. 13, 2025
Meanwhile, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has been cast as the sport’s white knight, pushing for expansion because it was in the best interest of all parties.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 3, 2023
The internet is mistakenly blaming a Monroe impersonator, and Brentwood is hoping for a white knight.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2023
He chose the flavors: wild cherry for the black pawn and peppermint for the white knight.
From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan
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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.
