knee-deep \ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷\adjective Etymology: Middle English kne-depe, from kne, knee knee + depe, deep deep — more at knee, deep 1.: rising to the knees : knee-high < knee-deep snow > 2. a.: sunk to the knees < men knee-deep in water > b.: deeply engaged or occupied : overwhelmed < knee-deep in turmoil > < knee-deep in war >