ENGLISH
REFERENCE

knights

n.
US //ˈnaɪts// UK //nˈaɪts// knights
  1. 1 historical soldiers (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    men in the past who had a high social rank and fought on horses for a king or queen.

    plural of knight; refers to medieval soldiers of noble rank who served a sovereign or lord as mounted men-at-arms.

    Example

    The story tells of brave knights who lived in large stone castles.

    Example

    Historical accounts suggest that medieval knights were expected to adhere to a strict code of chivalry, though reality often fell short of these ideals.
  2. 2 chess pieces (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    pieces in the game of chess that look like a horse's head.

    plural of knight; the chess pieces, typically shaped like horses, that move in an 'L' shape.

    Example

    He moved his knights early in the game to control the center of the board.

    Example

    The grandmaster sacrificed both knights in a daring maneuver that eventually forced his opponent into an inescapable checkmate.

Last updated June 19, 2026