white knight

American  

noun

1. a hero who comes to the rescue.

2. a beleaguered champion who fights heroically for a cause, as in politics.

3. Informal. a company that comes to the rescue of another, as to prevent a takeover.

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white knight British  

noun

1. a champion or rescuer, esp a person or organization that rescues a company from financial difficulties, an unwelcome takeover bid, etc

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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

See Examples For:

white knight

Once considered a canny innovator, and then, with his purchase of the flailing Washington Post, a white knight, he has since become the embodiment of capitalism run amok.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 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

Wilko had been working to secure a white knight for the business which has been trading since 1930.

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2023

He watched the white knight, Ser Balon Swann, and the others who had come with him.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Related Words

• savior