English Reference

Word

knox

Phoneticsknox

/ˈnɑks/

Definitions

01a surname

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal

n. A common family name that comes from Scotland.

n. A surname of Scottish Gaelic origin, derived from 'cnoc' meaning a round hill.

“The history book discussed the influence of John Knox on the Scottish church.”

“Scholars of the Reformation frequently analyze the theological treatises of John Knox regarding the relationship between church and state.”

02Fort Knox

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun American English

n. A famous place in the US where gold is kept, used to describe a place that is very secure.

n. A reference to the United States Bullion Depository in Kentucky, often used metaphorically to describe a highly secure location.

“With all these new locks, the house is like Fort Knox.”

“The data center was designed to be a digital Fort Knox, featuring multiple layers of biometric security and physical barriers.”

Synonyms

strongholdfortress

Etymology

Borrowed from Scottish Gaelic cnoc (“round hill”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Idioms

01. Fort Knox

This entry

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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C2 · Proficiency
Updated

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