What does "nock" mean?
Either of the two grooves in a bow that hold the bowstring.
Nock
/nɒk/ intj, name, noun, verb
intj, name, noun, verb ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Either of the two grooves in a bow that hold the bowstring.
- Grammar: nock is listed as intj, name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: arrow notch, blaze, bowstring notch, cleft.
- Useful contrasts: smooth, smooth surface, unengaged end.
- Usage evidence: Meanwhile there had been bustle and preparation in all parts of the great vessel. The archers stood in groups about the decks, new-stringing their bows, and testing that they were firm at the nocks.
How to use "nock"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "nock" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "nock" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "nock" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "nock" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "nock" is acting as intj, name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "arrow notch" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Either of the two grooves in a bow that hold the bowstring.
"Meanwhile there had been bustle and preparation in all parts of the great vessel. The archers stood in groups about the decks, new-stringing their bows, and testing that they were firm at the nocks."
- 2 Misspelling of knock. alt-of, misspelling
- 3 The notch at the rear of an arrow that fits on the bowstring.
"He took his arrow by the nock."
- 4 The upper fore corner of a boom sail or trysail.
Verb
- 1 To fit (an arrow) against the bowstring of a bow or crossbow. transitive
"Then taking up his own good stout bow and nocking an arrow with care, he shot with his very greatest skill."
- 2 Misspelling of knock. alt-of, misspelling
"I put my hair up, and was just finished, when mother nocked. It was terrable^([sic])."
- 3 make small marks into the surface of wordnet
- 4 To cut a nock in (usually in an arrow's base or the tips of a bow). transitive
"It is a Scotch bow, I see, for the upper nock is without and the lower within. By the black rood! it is a good piece of yew, well nocked, well strung, well waxed, and very joyful to the feel."
Intj
- 1 Fit the arrow to your bowstring.
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Meanwhile there had been bustle and preparation in all parts of the great vessel. The archers stood in groups about the decks, new-stringing their bows, and testing that they were firm at the nocks."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "nock"?
Common synonyms include: arrow notch, blaze, bowstring notch, cleft, cut, depression.
How do you use "nock" in a sentence?
Meanwhile there had been bustle and preparation in all parts of the great vessel. The archers stood in groups about the decks, new-stringing their bows, and testing that they were firm at the nocks.
How do you pronounce "nock"?
Pronounced /nɒk/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English nokke, attested since the 14th century, probably from a Scandinavian/North Germanic language (compare Swedish nock (“notch”), but compare Dutch nok, from Middle Dutch nocke (“tip, point”). Both could be related to nook (“corner, recess”).
Etymology 2
From the Middle English phrase atten okes (“at the oaks”).