knell
Pronunciation
Noun
C1 Advanced
Quick answer
The sound of a bell rung slowly, especially to announce a death, or a sign that something is about to end.
Usage notes
Almost always used figuratively today in the phrase "death knell," meaning the end of something.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "The factory's closure sounded the death _____ for the small town's economy."
Answer: knell
In your own words, what does "knell" mean?
The sound of a bell rung slowly, especially to announce a death, or a sign that something is about to end.
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