English Explanatory Dictionary

knack

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A readiness in performance; aptness at doing something.
  2. A petty contrivance; a toy.
  3. Something performed, or to be done, requiring aptness and dexterity.
verb
  1. To crack; to make a sharp, abrupt noise; to chink.
  2. To speak affectedly.
name
  1. A surname.

Pronunciation

/næk/ en-us-knack.ogg Knack.wav

Word forms

knack knacks knacking knacked

Etymology

Late Middle English, use as "special skill" from 1580. Possibly from 14th century Middle English krak, knack (“a sharp sound or blow”), knakke, knakken, from Middle Low German and of imitative origin, similar to Dutch knak (“snap, crack”). Latter cognate to German knacken (“to crack”). See also crack.

Synonyms

skill facility dexterity feeling plaything knickknack toy trick device

Related words

knacked knack-kneed knick-knack

Derived words

knackish knackless knacky
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