English Reference
noun · verb

king

n. · v.
US /ˈkɪŋ/ UK /kˈɪŋ/ king UK spelling kinged, kinging

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a man who rules a country because he belongs to a royal family.

    n.a male sovereign who heads a monarchy, typically by hereditary right.

    Simple

    The king addressed the nation from the palace balcony during the celebration.

    In context

    Following the sudden death of his father, the young prince was crowned king in a ceremony attended by leaders from across the globe.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a man who is very successful or powerful in a particular activity or business.

    n.a person who holds a preeminent or dominant position within a specific field or industry.

    Simple

    He is known as the king of pop because of his many hit songs.

    In context

    Having dominated the steel industry for three decades, he was widely regarded as the undisputed king of American manufacturing.

  3. 03 A2 Elementary

    n.the most important piece in the game of chess.

    n.the principal piece in chess, the capture of which is the objective of the game.

    Simple

    The game ended when he moved his queen to trap his opponent's king.

    In context

    The grandmaster spent ten minutes calculating whether his king could reach the corner before the pawn was promoted.

  4. 04 A2 Elementary

    n.a playing card with a picture of a king on it.

    n.a playing card bearing the representation of a king, usually ranking above a queen and below an ace.

    Simple

    She won the hand because she held the king of hearts.

    In context

    The dealer revealed a king and a jack, giving the player a total of twenty points in the final round.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced SlangInformal

    n.a word used to praise a man for doing something great or being a good friend.

    n.a term of address or reference used to express high regard, admiration, or solidarity.

    Simple

    You dropped your wallet and he returned it? What a king.

    In context

    The comments section was flooded with users calling the athlete a king for his charitable donations after the championship.

  6. 06 C2 Proficiency LiteraryFormal

    v.to make someone a king.

    v.to invest a person with the office or title of king.

    Simple

    The people gathered in the square to see the new ruler kinged.

    In context

    Historical accounts differ on exactly which bishop was chosen to king the usurper after the previous monarch fled.

    crownenthrone
    dethrone
  7. 07 B1 Intermediate

    v.to turn a piece into a king in the game of checkers.

    v.to promote a piece in draughts or checkers by placing another piece on top of it.

    Simple

    I managed to get my piece to the last row, so you have to king me.

    In context

    By strategically sacrificing two pieces, she forced her opponent into a position where she could king her remaining checker.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated