slipknot

noun

slip·​knot ˈslip-ˌnät How to pronounce slipknot (audio)
: a knot that slips along the rope or line around which it is made
especially : one made by tying an overhand knot around the standing part of a rope see knot illustration

Examples of slipknot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Thread the tail of the slipknot (from Step 4) through the remaining hole, and knot a paper clip around the end to hold it in place. Rachelle Doorley, Parents, 16 Aug. 2023 Wrap another rubber band around the shorter end of the arm using a slipknot. Rachelle Doorley, Parents, 16 Aug. 2023 Simply wrap a tree strap around each tree and pass the strap back through the loop to create a simple slipknot that can attach directly to the hammock. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2022 Somoano said the rope’s loop-end was manufactured, not tied with a slipknot. Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2020 To lubricate the slipknot, Brazile uses baby powder. Melissa Lyttle, Smithsonian, 13 Dec. 2017 A boy from Boston was a little too handsy retying my sash into a slipknot. Ella Alexander, Longreads, 12 July 2017 And as he was slammed down the mountain, the rope slid up and its slipknot tightened around his neck, throttling him. Craig R. McCoy / Staff Writer, Philly.com, 12 July 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'slipknot.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slipknot was in 1659

Dictionary Entries Near slipknot

Cite this Entry

“Slipknot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slipknot. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

slipknot

noun
slip·​knot -ˌnät How to pronounce slipknot (audio)
: a knot that slips along a line around which it is made see knot illustration

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