knocker
/ˈnɒkə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈnɑːkər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈnä-kər/ (ame, mw)
knocker — noun
- knockersingular
- knockersplural
1. A metal piece attached to a front door. To signal your arrival, you lift the kno
A metal piece attached to a front door. To signal your arrival, you lift the knocker and let it drop back down, making a knocking noise that people inside can hear.
The old brass knocker on the front door was shaped like a lion's head.
shaped like an animal; often decorative
Indra lifted the heavy iron knocker and let it fall three times.
lift + let fall describes the action
Wei spent an hour polishing the tarnished knocker until it shone.
The visitor reached for the knocker, but the door swung open first.
- door knocker
the full, more explicit form of the same object
- door-knocker
sometimes hyphenated; same meaning
文法句型
a/the + knocker + on + door/building
常見錯誤
2. A person who often says negative things about other people or their work, rather
A person who often says negative things about other people or their work, rather than finding anything good to say.
The local theatre group ignored the knockers and put on a wonderful show.
ignore the knockers — common collocation
Every new idea has its knockers, but Hiro refused to let them discourage him.
A few professional knockers wrote bad reviews before the restaurant even opened its doors.
Instead of being a knocker, try to offer helpful advice that people can actually use.
- critic
more neutral and formal; does not carry the same negative tone
- fault-finder
similar meaning but less common; focuses on finding small flaws
- detractor
more formal; someone who speaks against something publicly
文法句型
knocker + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense is most common in informal British English. The word is often used in the plural (knockers) to refer to critics in general rather than a specific person.
常見錯誤
3. An offensive slang word for a woman's breasts. Using this word is disrespectful
An offensive slang word for a woman's breasts. Using this word is disrespectful and can be seen as sexist or degrading.
A male comedian was criticised for making jokes about his co-star's knockers on stage.
criticised for using the word — shows social consequences
The network removed the scene after viewers complained about the word knockers.
Layla told her date that knocker jokes were not funny and asked him to stop.
The chatroom moderator deleted a post that used the word knockers to describe a female singer.
文法句型
always used in the plural (knockers)
用法筆記
⚠️ This word is considered offensive and should be avoided in any polite or professional setting. It objectifies women and may cause serious offence. Even as a joke, using this word can damage relationships and reputations. This sense is always used in the plural form (knockers).