knap

1 of 2

noun

ˈnap How to pronounce knap (audio)
Synonyms of knapnext
1
chiefly dialectal : a crest of a hill : summit
2
chiefly dialectal : a small hill

knap

2 of 2

verb

knapped; knapping

transitive verb

1
: to break with a quick blow
especially : to shape (something, such as flints) by breaking off pieces
2
dialectal British : rap entry 2 sense 1
3
dialectal British : snap, crop
4
dialectal British : chatter
knapper noun

Examples of knap in a Sentence

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.
Verb
If confirmed, our human ancestors started shaping bones by striking them at specific angles in a process known as knapping as much as 1.5 million years ago. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English cnæp; akin to Old English cnotta knot

Verb

Middle English knappen, of imitative origin

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of knap was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

knaidel
knap
knapping hammer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knap. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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