kneecap

/ˈniːˌkæp/

//ˈniːˌkæp// noun

By · According to Wiktionary data (CC BY-SA) ·

"kneecap" is a 7-letter English headword indexed on PlainSpell.

The verdict

“kneecap” is uncommon English (frequency #53,051 among 9,255 “K” headwords), classed as a noun. The kind of spelling people second-guess.

#53,051
frequency rank, English
9,255
“K” headwords

According to Wiktionary data (CC BY-SA, analyzed May 6, 2026) - The flat, roundish bone in the knee.

Key facts for kneecap
PropertyValue
Headwordkneecap
LanguageEnglish
Part of speechNoun
IPA/ˈniːˌkæp/
Letters7
Frequency rank#53,051
Misspellings tracked0
Confusable pairs0
SourceWiktionary (kaikki.org)

Where “kneecap” sits in English frequency

Every-word frequency runs from the handful of words we use constantly (left) to the long tail used once in a blue moon (right). kneecap lands here:

#1#100#1K#10K#100K
← used constantlyrarely used →

Scale is logarithmic (each tick is 10× rarer). Source: FrequencyWords open word-frequency list.

Rare enough to double-check

kneecap is uncommon English at frequency #53,051 among 9,255 “K” headwords, classed as anoun, transcribed /ˈniːˌkæp/. Rarity is why readers land here mid-draft. 3 senses are on record.

Our edit-distance generator produced no likely misspellings for kneecap, since its letter sequence doesn't invite the usual edit-distance slips. This entry stands alone in our confusable dataset, which usually means its spelling is distinct enough that readers don't reach for a similar-looking word instead.

Etymologically, the entry records: From knee + cap. The correct English form is kneecap, spelled K-N-E-E-C-A-P.

Definition

  1. 1
    The flat, roundish bone in the knee.
  2. 2
    A metal cover trim that fits over a panel rib after it has been cut and bent.
  3. 3
    A cap or strong covering for the knees, used chiefly for horses, to protect their knees in case of a fall.

Etymology

From knee + cap.

This word in other languages

rótula(Español)rotule(Français)Kniescheibe(Deutsch)rótula(Português)

Definitions, pronunciation, and etymology for this entry are drawn from Wiktionary via the kaikki.org structured extract (CC BY-SA); frequency ordering uses the FrequencyWords open word-frequency list (2018 English corpus, MIT). See the methodology for how each field is sourced and updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you spell "kneecap"?
"kneecap" is spelled K-N-E-E-C-A-P. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈniːˌkæp/.
What does "kneecap" mean?
As a noun, "kneecap" means: The flat, roundish bone in the knee.
How do you pronounce "kneecap"?
The IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription for "kneecap" is /ˈniːˌkæp/. Click the speaker icon on the pronunciation badge above to hear it spoken aloud where audio is available.
What is the origin of the word "kneecap"?
From knee + cap. See the full etymology section above for more details.
Is PlainSpell free to use?
Yes, PlainSpell is a completely free word reference. You can look up definitions, pronunciations, confusable pairs, homophones, and spelling corrections across 5 languages without any sign-up or subscription.

Using “kneecap”

The practical upshot for anyone who landed here from a spell-check.

  • The one correct English spelling is K-N-E-E-C-A-P - every other letter order is a misspelling in standard orthography.
  • Say it as /ˈniːˌkæp/ (IPA); tap the speaker on the pronunciation badge to hear it where audio exists.
  • Browse more English words and confusable pairs in the same reference. English words

Other uncommon English words near this rank

Data Source

Wiktionary (via kaikki.org), licensed under CC BY-SA & GFDL. Word ordering uses an open word-frequency list; misspelling variants are generated by edit-distance from the correct headword.

Source: Wiktionary (via kaikki.org) Structured Wiktionary extract

Source: FrequencyWords open word-frequency list FrequencyWords open word-frequency list