knee-deep

adjective

ˈnē-ˈdēp How to pronounce knee-deep (audio)
Synonyms of knee-deepnext
1
a
: sunk to the knees
knee-deep in mud
b
: deeply engaged or occupied
knee-deep in work
2
: knee-high

Examples of knee-deep in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Judd is seen in the video wearing a dark green swimsuit with a scoop neckline while standing knee-deep in the sea. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026 Standing knee-deep in the lo‘i, covered in mud, gently pressing roots into the earth, anchored me in a new way. — Wassan Al-Khudhairi, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026 Another clip shows people wrestling and exchanging blows in knee-deep water as bystanders shout and record the chaos on their phones. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 Photos shared on Facebook show the rescue scene was heavily forested, and rescuers worked in knee-deep water to save the man. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for knee-deep

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of knee-deep was in the 15th century

Rhymes for knee-deep

See All Rhymes for knee-deep

Browse Nearby Words

knee-crooking
knee-deep
knee drill
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knee-deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knee-deep. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

knee-deep

adjective
-ˈdēp
: being up to one's knees
knee-deep in mud
knee-deep snowdrifts

More from Merriam-Webster on knee-deep

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