# knell

/ˈnɛɫ/ (US) · /nˈɛl/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/knell
Updated: 2026-10-07

## Definition

the sound of a bell ringing slowly, usually to show that someone has died. It is often used to describe the end of something important.

For teachers: the sound of a bell rung slowly, typically to announce a death or a funeral. Frequently used figuratively to signal the imminent end or failure of an institution, idea, or era.

## Examples

- The deep knell of the church bell echoed through the valley.
- The sudden drop in sales sounded the death knell for the small family business.
- The tolling of the funeral knell served as a somber reminder of the community's loss, marking the finality of the ceremony with each heavy strike.

## Synonyms

Toll, Ring, signal

## Usage notes

- Commonly appears in the idiomatic phrase 'sound the death knell'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.