knocking — English Dictionary

Noun

1. An act in which something is knocked on, or the sound thus produced

   Examples

   These strange openings and closings and knockings were warnings and reminders from the spirits who attend the dying.

   There was no response to continued knockings.

   More examples (1)

   Recorded live to CD with new instrumentation--artillery shells, tuned suspension cables, boxes filled with springs--and deemphasized guitar parts, it's a beautiful collection of echoes and whispers, drones and knockings, with a gently swelling sense of the sinister.

2. A repetitive ping, knock, or similar sound coming from an engine in which there are repeated uncontrolled explosions in the combustion chamber.

   Examples

   Sir―I was greatly interested in a short article in The Motor Cycle on the subject of engine knocking.

   Knocking can also occur at high speed, but that may go undetected by the driver.

Noun

1. the sound of knocking (as on a door or in an engine or bearing)

   Synonyms

   knock

   Broader terms

   sound

   Examples

   the knocking grew louder