1 B1 idiomatic informal
To fall asleep suddenly, especially because of great tiredness.
"After the marathon, he konked out on the sofa and slept for twelve hours."
inseparable
konk out
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To fall asleep suddenly from exhaustion, or (of a machine or engine) to stop working unexpectedly.
In plain English
To fall fast asleep suddenly, or for a machine to stop working.
What does "konk out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
Of a machine, engine, or device: to stop working suddenly and unexpectedly.
"The car's engine konked out just as we reached the motorway."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To lose consciousness, especially as a result of a blow to the head.
"He hit his head on the cabinet and konked out for a few seconds."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Konk' is a slang word for a blow to the head, so 'konk out' originally evoked being knocked unconscious.
Actually means
To fall fast asleep suddenly, or for a machine to stop working.
Usage tip
Very common in informal spoken English. Used both for people (falling asleep) and machines (breaking down). The word 'konk' is itself informal/slang. More common in British and American English than in other varieties.
Words that pair with "konk out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
engine car machine sofa exhaustion battery
How to conjugate "konk out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
konk out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
konks out
he/she/it
Past simple
konked out
yesterday
Past participle
konked out
have + pp
-ing form
konking out
continuous
Hear "konk out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "konk out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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