knighthood

noun

knight·​hood ˈnīt-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce knighthood (audio)
Synonyms of knighthoodnext
1
: the rank, dignity, or profession of a knight
2
: the qualities befitting a knight : chivalry
3
: knights as a class or body

Examples of knighthood in a Sentence

The Queen awarded a knighthood to the famous actor. For their bravery, they were rewarded with knighthood.
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.
Over the years, Hockney was offered countless honours and turned most down – including a knighthood. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 20 June 2026 To accept her knighthood, Victoria wore a black long-sleeve dress of her own design, while David wore a handsome charcoal double-breasted suit. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026 Henry Royce, raised in poverty and largely self-taught, became one of the most influential engineers of his era, ultimately earning a knighthood for work that helped define modern automotive engineering. — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 Mar. 2026 In November, Brooklyn Beckham did not attend dad David Beckham's knighthood celebration, given by King Charles. — Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for knighthood

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of knighthood was in the 13th century

Rhymes for knighthood

See All Rhymes for knighthood

Browse Nearby Words

knighthead
knighthood
knighthood-errant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knighthood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knighthood. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

knighthood

noun
knight·​hood ˈnīt-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce knighthood (audio)
1
: the rank, dignity, or profession of a knight
2
: the qualities that a knight should have
3
: knights as a class or body
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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