How to Pronounce “knot”

American (US)

/nɑt/

British (UK)

/nɒt/

noun — A looping of a piece of string or of any other long, flexible material that cannot be untangled without passing one or both ends of the material through its loops.

Example: Climbers must make sure that all knots are both secure and of types that will not weaken the rope.

The k is silent. Every English word beginning kn- lost the /k/ centuries ago but kept it in the spelling. “knot” starts on a plain /n/ sound, exactly as if the k were not written.

What does "knot" mean?

knot (noun): A looping of a piece of string or of any other long, flexible material that cannot be untangled without passing one or both ends of the material through its loops. For example — Climbers must make sure that all knots are both secure and of types that will not weaken the rope.

How do you pronounce "knot" in American vs British English?

American English: /nɑt/. British English: /nɒt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "knot"?

/nɑt/ in American English, /nɒt/ in British English.

• Silent K words