1 B1 idiomatic informal
To spend time in a place without a fixed purpose; to wander or hang around.
"We knocked about the old town for a few hours before finding a café we liked."
knock about
B1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To spend time in a place without a specific purpose, or to treat someone roughly.
In plain English
To move around a place without a plan, or to hit someone repeatedly.
What does "knock about" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To treat someone roughly; to hit or physically mistreat a person.
"The landlord had reportedly been knocking the tenants about for years before someone finally reported him."
separable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
Of an object or idea: to exist or circulate somewhere in an unorganised way.
"I'm sure there's a spare charger knocking about somewhere in this drawer."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To knock things around carelessly.
Actually means
To move around a place without a plan, or to hit someone repeatedly.
Usage tip
Chiefly British English. 'Knock about' has several meanings: aimless travel, rough physical treatment, and informal socialising. In sports (especially cricket and football), it also refers to an informal practice session. Context is key.
Words that pair with "knock about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
idea world place together a bit for years
How to conjugate "knock about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
knock about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
knocks about
he/she/it
Past simple
knocked about
yesterday
Past participle
knocked about
have + pp
-ing form
knocking about
continuous
Hear "knock about" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "knock about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "knock about"
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Keep exploring
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