1 B1 idiomatic informal
To spend time somewhere or with someone in an informal, unplanned way.
"The two of them had been knocking round together since secondary school."
knock round
B1 informal transitive/intransitive
To spend time in a place or with someone informally, or to exist somewhere in a vague, unplanned way.
In plain English
To move around or spend time somewhere without a real plan, or to hang out with someone casually.
What does "knock round" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
Of an object or idea: to exist somewhere in a vague, unlocated way.
"There must be a copy of that form knocking round the office somewhere."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To knock around in a circular or irregular way.
Actually means
To move around or spend time somewhere without a real plan, or to hang out with someone casually.
Usage tip
Chiefly British English, and closer to 'knock about' than 'knock around.' Virtually identical in meaning to 'knock about.' Used to describe aimless movement, informal socialising ('knock round with someone'), or the loose existence of an object ('there's a spare key knocking round somewhere'). Less common than 'knock about.'
Words that pair with "knock round"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
together with friends somewhere for years ideas place
How to conjugate "knock round"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
knock round
I/you/we/they
3rd person
knocks round
he/she/it
Past simple
knocked round
yesterday
Past participle
knocked round
have + pp
-ing form
knocking round
continuous
Hear "knock round" in the wild
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Other ways to say "knock round"
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