How to Pronounce Knee-jerk

To pronounce "knee-jerk", say KNEEJ-erk — 2 syllables. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

knee-jerk

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Accent

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2

Syllables

9

Letters

KNEEJ-erk

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💡 Tip for remembering “knee-jerk”

"knee-jerk" has 2 syllables: kneej-erk.

What does knee-jerk mean?

noun

  1. A sudden reflexive movement of the leg below the knee, as a reaction to a tap to the tendon just below the patella (kneecap).

adjective

  1. Unthinking, not carefully considered, (nearly) automatic, spontaneous, easily predictable

    “He gave a knee-jerk response.”

Synonyms

kneejerk reflexpatellar reflex

Related words

impulsiveoverhastyrashhurriedhastyprecipitatedprecipitateprecipitous

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "knee-jerk"?▾

"Knee-jerk" has 2 syllables: kneej · erk.

What does "knee-jerk" mean?▾

Knee-jerk: A sudden reflexive movement of the leg below the knee, as a reaction to a tap to the tendon just below the patella (kneecap).

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