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“Knock” or “Nock”

knock / nock are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term.

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Definitions

What each term means

Same sound, different spellings and meanings, shown with a pronunciation guide for each term.

knock n·AA·k

  • nounthe sound of knocking (as on a door or in an engine or bearing).
  • nounnegative criticism.
  • nouna vigorous blow.
  • nouna bad experience.
  • nounthe act of hitting vigorously.
  • verbdeliver a sharp blow or push :.
  • verbrap with the knuckles.
  • verbfind fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws.

nock n·AA·k

No dictionary entry for this spelling — see the usage examples below for how it shows up in writing.

Usage

Examples in context

Real sentences for each spelling. Hover an example to copy it.

“knock”

  • …B.J.Whitaker, "Thermokinetic Interactions Leading to Knock during Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition",…
  • "Knock 'Em Dead Kid" - 4:46
  • …into a hole rather than knock down pins.
  • …was able to escape and knock Mankind down, grabbing a chair…
  • While the tanks did knock out some PAVN/VC positions with…
  • …fuels on pressure waves and knock in reciprocating engines" Combustion and…
  • …lost the fight via technical knock out in the first round.
  • "Reginald's Record Knock" (cricket story)
  • …guards to join in and knock them out.
  • Knock 'Em Dead, Kid is the…

“nock”

  • …Paul Kelly, Jim Black, Mike Nock, Barney McAll, Enrico Rava, and…
  • …the highest peaks in the Nock Mountains (Nockberge) region, and
  • The Nock Mountain National Park, accessible via…

Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions are drawn from WordNet.

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