What does nocked mean?
“Nocked” most commonly describes an arrow that has been fitted to the string of a bow in preparation for shooting. The familiar expression “nocked and ready” reinforces the idea of poised readiness and has a broader figurative use for someone fully prepared to act. In older usage, “nocked” can also mean notched or marked with an indentation. As a verb, it is the past tense and past participle of “nock,” the action of placing an arrow on a bowstring so that it can be loosed. The word belongs primarily to the vocabulary of archery, but its figurative expressions give it a vivid, slightly traditional tone. It should not be confused with “knocked,” which refers to striking or being struck. Knowing the distinction makes the sound-alike especially important in reading as well as listening.
Having an arrow fitted to a bowstring; ready to shoot or act.
"The archer stood with the bow raised and the arrow nocked."
Most often encountered in the expression “nocked and ready.”
The past tense and past participle of “nock,” meaning to fit an arrow to a bowstring.
"The hunter nocked an arrow and drew the bow."
This form is chiefly associated with archery and formal or literary contexts.
An arrow that is “nocked” is not locked away—it is fitted, poised, and ready to fly.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nocked come from?
The word comes through Middle English from a Germanic root associated with a notch or indentation. It developed both the noun meaning a notch and the verb meaning to fit an arrow onto a bowstring. The modern English “notch” is a close cognate, sharing the same Germanic origin, while “nick” also reflects that older family of meanings.
Related word forms
How nocked is actually used
As an adjective, “nocked” most often occurs in the traditional expression “nocked and ready.” Its verb use is somewhat literary or specialized outside archery, while “nocked” is easily confused with “knocked” in speech.
Easily confused with nocked
“Nocked” refers to an arrow fitted to a bowstring, whereas “knocked” means struck or to strike a surface.