1
a
: the rounded prominence formed by the ends of the two adjacent bones at a joint
—used especially of those at the joints of the fingers
b
: the joint of a knuckle
2
: a cut of meat consisting of the tarsal or carpal joint with the adjoining flesh
3
: something resembling a knuckle: such as
a(1)
: one of the joining parts of a hinge through which a pin or rivet passes
(2)
b
: the meeting of two surfaces at a sharp angle (as in a roof)
c
: a pivotal point
4
knuckles plural
: a set of metal finger rings or guards attached to a transverse piece and worn over the front of the doubled fist for use as a weapon
called also brass knuckles
knuckled; knuckling
ˈnə-k(ə-)liŋ 
: to place the knuckles on the ground in shooting a marble
: to press or rub with the knuckles
Examples of knuckle in a Sentence
Noun
She rapped her knuckles on the table.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rachel King, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
At the previous hearing, a photo of Relli's minor injuries displayed in the courtroom showed small patches of raw, bloody skin on the knuckles of his index, middle and ring fingers on his left hand.
—Daniela Avila, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024
Christa Sgobba, SELF, 18 Oct. 2024
But the underdog story, produced by Jordan Peele, also shows a bunch of new sides to Patel, who knuckles up as a legit action star and a guy who can make a movie that’s totally cool, occasionally amusing and impressively thoughtful.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for knuckle 
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Noun
The Belltown Muddler offers a practical solution with its extra-long 11.5-inch length, designed to keep knuckles clear of the tin, and a palm stop for added protection.
—Rachel King, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
At the previous hearing, a photo of Relli's minor injuries displayed in the courtroom showed small patches of raw, bloody skin on the knuckles of his index, middle and ring fingers on his left hand.
—Daniela Avila, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024
Verb
Hold the weight in your right hand and raise that arm straight overhead, knuckles up.
—Christa Sgobba, SELF, 18 Oct. 2024
But the underdog story, produced by Jordan Peele, also shows a bunch of new sides to Patel, who knuckles up as a legit action star and a guy who can make a movie that’s totally cool, occasionally amusing and impressively thoughtful.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for knuckle
Dictionary Entries Near knuckle
Cite this Entry
“Knuckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knuckle. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
knuckle
1 of 2 noun
knuck·le
ˈnək-əl
1
: the rounded lump formed by the ends of two bones where they come together in a joint
especially
: such a lump at a finger joint
2
: any of several parts (as the hock or shank or a tarsal joint) of the leg of a four-footed animal as used for food
knuckle
2 of 2 verb
knuckled; knuckling
ˈnək-(ə-)liŋ
: to place the knuckles on the ground in shooting a marble
Medical Definition
knuckle
noun
knuck·le
ˈnək-əl
1
a
: the rounded prominence formed by the ends of the two adjacent bones at a joint
—used especially of those at the joints of the fingers
b
: the joint of a knuckle
2
: a sharply flexed loop of intestines incarcerated in a hernia
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