# Knox

/ˈnɑks/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/knox
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a surname

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

A common family name that comes from Scotland.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. Fort Knox

noun · CEFR C2 · American English

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

For teachers: 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.

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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.