kneel

American  

[neel] / nil /

verb (used without object)

knelt, kneeled, kneeling

1. to go down or rest on the knees or a knee.

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noun

1. the action or position of kneeling.

kneel British  

/ niːl /

verb

1. (intr) to rest, fall, or support oneself on one's knees

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noun

1. the act or position of kneeling

Other Word Forms

• kneeler noun
• kneelingly adverb
• unkneeling adjective

Etymology

Origin of kneel

First recorded before 1000; Middle English knelen, Old English cnēowlian (cognate with Low German knelen, Dutch knielen ). See knee, -le

Example Sentences

The poacher offerered to kneel and apologise, telling Silva that he only came to the field to look at birds.

From BBC

On reaching his hundred, Head saluted the crowd and then knelt to kiss a batting surface that treats him so well.

From BBC

Afterward, the individual moves into the home’s front yard, kneels on the ground and tries to pick up the cat, which the post said is named Piper.

From Los Angeles Times

Down the beach, a young woman kneels, eyes closed, palms up, praying.

From BBC

Twelve fired FBI agents are alleging that they were unlawfully sacked because they knelt during a racial justice protest in Washington DC five years ago.

From BBC

Related Words

• bow