Definition

1. Noun:
   • A simple small knot (often used as part of other knots): An "overhand knot" is a fundamental knot formed by creating a loop and passing the working end of the rope through that loop. It is the simplest stopper knot and serves as a component in many more complex knots.

Usage

• The "overhand knot" is primarily used as a stopper knot to prevent the end of a rope from fraying or passing through a hole or pulley.
• It is also the foundational element for tying other knots, such as the overhand loop or the fisherman's knot.
• It is considered a basic, secure knot for its simplicity but can be difficult to untie after being subjected to a heavy load.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Always tie an overhand knot at the end of the rope before you begin climbing for safety.
  • The first step in tying a surgeon's knot is to make a simple overhand knot.
  • She secured the bundle of letters with a piece of string and an overhand knot.

Advanced Usage

• "to tie an overhand knot": The standard phrase for creating this knot.
  • You should know how to tie an overhand knot before learning more complex ones.
• As a component: The overhand knot is rarely used in isolation for critical loads but is essential as part of compound knots.
  • Two overhand knots tied together in opposite directions form a square (or reef) knot.

Variants and Related Words

• Overhand loop (n): A knot that forms a fixed loop, created by tying an overhand knot with a doubled section of rope.
• Double overhand knot (n): A more secure version of the overhand knot, created by making an extra turn before passing the end through the loop. It is often used as a stopper knot in climbing.
• Stopper knot (n): A general term for any knot tied at the end of a rope to prevent unreeving; the overhand knot is the most basic type.

Synonyms

• Thumb knot: A less common synonym for an overhand knot.
• Simple knot: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its basic form.

Related Phrases

• "to back up a knot with an overhand": A safety practice in climbing and sailing where an overhand knot is tied next to a primary knot (e.g., a bowline) to prevent it from coming undone.
  • After tying the figure-eight follow-through, the climber backed it up with an overhand knot.

Noun

1. a simple small knot (often used as part of other knots)