slipknot

slipknot — noun

1. a type of knot that can be tightened or loosened easily because the knot itself

1.nounB2
Definition

a type of knot that can be tightened or loosened easily because the knot itself moves along the rope when you pull one end.

Example

Tanvi tied a slipknot in the rope so she could quickly adjust the tent line.

tie + slipknot + purpose clause

Baraka showed his nephew how to tie a slipknot for the gift ribbon.

show [sb] how to tie a slipknot

Common collocations
  • tie a slipknot
  • untie a slipknot
  • in a slipknot
  • with a slipknot
Synonyms
  • running knot

    a less common term for a slipknot, mostly used in sailing

  • slipping knot

    functionally the same as a slipknot, but less precise in craft contexts

Antonyms
  • dead knot

    a knot that does not slide or loosen when pulled

Grammar Patterns

tie + slipknot

slipknot + verb (slide, tighten, loosen)

Usage Note

Common in camping, sailing, sewing, and craft activities where a temporary or adjustable hold is useful. The headword is also the name of a heavy metal band, which may cause confusion for learners encountering the word out of context.

Common Mistakes

He tied a slipknot around his neck.
He tied a slipknot in the rope to hang the hammock.
A slipknot can tighten dangerously around a person or animal; use it only on objects.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A slipknot is a specific type of knot designed to slide and adjust. A general knot is any fastening made by tying rope or string — the term is far broader and includes nonsliding knots such as a square knot. A noose is a slipknot tied at the end of a rope with a loop that tightens under weight; it carries a strong negative connotation (hanging, execution) and is not used for ordinary camping or craft tasks. A loop is simply a curved shape in the rope and may or may not be part of a knot. For everyday adjustment needs — tent lines, gift ribbons, macrame — use slipknot. For a fixed, permanent hold, use a standard knot.

knot ↗noose ↗loop

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • tie a slipknot
  • loosen a slipknot
  • pull the slipknot

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Formed in English by combining 'slip' (from Old English slippan, meaning 'to slide or glide') with 'knot' (from Old English cnotta, meaning 'a fastening made by tying'). The compound describes a knot that can slide along the rope it is tied on.