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

What if that had been a championship decider or a World Cup knockout game?

From BBC

England and Wales, who will also play Denmark and Norway in a bid to qualify for the knockout stages, both secured promotion to League A in the 2024-2025 competition.

From BBC

The brief but impressive appearance has raised expectations, especially with the first leg of Real Madrid's Champions League knockout tie against Benfica looming next week.

From BBC

The Missouri city was the English Football Association's preferred location, despite two of their group games and several potential knockout matches being on the east coast of the United States.

From Barron's

Ball could seek a rematch with Figueroa, although the American might be reluctant to take that option after his knockout win.

From BBC

Related Words

• technical knockout