knockdown JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/ˈnɒkˌdaʊn/ · knock·down
noun
  1. An act of knocking something down or the condition of being knocked down. The demolition crew completed the knockdown of the old warehouse in under an hour.
  2. An overwhelming blow or defeat. The boxer delivered a knockdown that ended the match in the third round.
  3. A very strong ale or beer, especially in British slang. After the hike, we celebrated with a cold knockdown at the local pub.
verb
  1. To employ the knockdown technique, especially in construction or furniture assembly, meaning to dismantle or take apart for packing. They knocked down the wall to create an open‑plan kitchen.
adjective
  1. Powerful enough to overwhelm or knock down. Her knockdown argument left the committee speechless.
  2. Reduced in price, originally to a price below which an article would not be sold by the auctioneer. The painting was sold at a knockdown price after the auctioneer lowered the bid.
  3. Capable of being taken apart for packing or removal, especially of furniture. We bought a knockdown sofa that fits easily into the car.
Did you know? In 19th‑century British taverns, "knockdown" was slang for a particularly strong, high‑gravity ale, a usage that survives in some regional dialects today.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 14, 2026