knee-deep

adjective

ˈnē-ˈdēp How to pronounce knee-deep (audio)
Synonyms of knee-deepnext
1
a
: sunk to the knees
knee-deep in mud
b
: deeply engaged or occupied
knee-deep in work
2
: knee-high

Examples of knee-deep 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.
In the photos, she is seen standing knee-deep in the water before wrapping a towel over her body to dry off. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Water was about knee-deep Monday near a train station and shopping mall in Bang Kapi. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026 The Russian bombs hit a pipe and the area was flooded in knee-deep water. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 17 Aug. 2026 At the Coosawattee Shriner's Club on Shrine Club Drive, floodwaters reached knee-deep outside and inside the building. — Rashad Williams, CBS News, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for knee-deep

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of knee-deep was in the 15th century

Rhymes for knee-deep

See All Rhymes for knee-deep

Browse Nearby Words

knee-crooking
knee-deep
knee drill
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knee-deep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knee-deep. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

knee-deep

adjective
-ˈdēp
: being up to one's knees
knee-deep in mud
knee-deep snowdrifts

More from Merriam-Webster on knee-deep

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