Word
knighthood
Phoneticsknight·hood, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnaɪtˌhʊd/
UK/nˈaɪthʊd/
Definitions
01the honour or title
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. the rank or title of a knight, given to someone for doing something very important for their country.
n. the rank, title, or status of a knight, typically conferred by a sovereign for exceptional achievement or service.
“The famous actor received a knighthood for his long career in film.”
“The Prime Minister recommended the scientist for a knighthood in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to public health.”
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'receive', 'confer', or 'bestow'.
Teaching tip
In the UK, a knighthood allows a man to use the title 'Sir' before his first name; women receive a 'damehood' and use the title 'Dame'.
02knights collectively
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Literary · Archaic
n. all the knights of a country or group considered together.
n. the collective body of knights; the social class or order composed of knights.
“The king called upon the knighthood of the realm to defend the borders.”
“Historical accounts suggest that the knighthood of the fourteenth century was as much a political class as a military one.”
Usage
Usually functions as an uncountable or collective noun.
Teaching tip
This sense is rare in modern speech and is mostly found in history books or fantasy literature.
Real-World Examples
“He received a knighthood for services to dance in 2019.” “He refused a knighthood in 1990 and was furious to discover he'd become a Companion of Honour.” Etymology
From Middle English knyghthode, knyȝthod, from Old English cnihthād, from Proto-West Germanic *knehtahaidu, equivalent to knight + -hood. Cognate with Dutch knechtheid, dialectal German Knechtheit.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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