knockout

American  

[nok-out] / ˈnɒkˌaʊt /

noun

1. an act or instance of knocking out.

2. the state or fact of being knocked out.

3. a knockout blow.

4. Informal. a person or thing overwhelmingly attractive, appealing, or successful.

5. a panel in a casing, can, or box, especially of metal or plastic, so designed that it can readily be removed, as by punching, hammering, or cutting, to provide an opening into the interior.

   a knockout in a junction box.

6. Machinery. a device for knocking something loose, as finished work from a lathe chuck.

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adjective

1. that knocks out.

   the knockout punch.

knockout British  

/ ˈnɒkˌaʊt /

noun

1. the act of rendering unconscious

2. a blow that renders an opponent unconscious

3. 1. a competition in which competitors are eliminated progressively

   2. ( as modifier )

      a knockout contest

4. a series of absurd invented games, esp obstacle races, involving physical effort or skill

5. informal a person or thing that is overwhelmingly impressive or attractive

   she's a knockout

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verb

1. to render unconscious, esp by a blow

2. boxing to defeat (an opponent) by a knockout

3. to destroy, damage, or injure badly

4. to eliminate, esp in a knockout competition

5. informal to overwhelm or amaze, esp with admiration or favourable reaction

   I was knocked out by that new song

6. to remove the ashes from (one's pipe) by tapping

Etymology

Origin of knockout

1810–20; 1935–40 knockout for def. 4; noun, adj. use of verb phrase knock out

Example Sentences

The top two teams from the 12 groups and the eight best third‑placed nations will advance into an expanded knockout phase that will begin with a round of 32.

From BBC

They ultimately fell to Croatia on penalties in the knockout stage but, with a wealth of talent at their disposal, could prove tricky opponents at this summer's World Cup in North America.

From BBC

Like the World Cup, ticket prices for the Euro 2028 will rise through the knockout rounds.

From BBC

At just 18 years and 226 days old, he became the youngest player in the club's history to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Vinicius' record by 10 days.

From BBC

And while the knockouts keep coming, he is still unproven beyond six rounds, with his engine and endurance untested at the highest level.

From BBC

Related Words

• technical knockout