Hill vs. Knoll: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson & Janet White || Updated on May 20, 2024
A hill is a natural elevation of the earth's surface with considerable height, while a knoll is a small, rounded hill or mound.
Key Differences
A hill is generally characterized by its significant elevation and prominence in the landscape. Hills can vary greatly in size and are often found in hilly or mountainous regions. They are larger and more prominent than knolls. A knoll, on the other hand, is a smaller, rounded elevation of the earth's surface. It is typically less steep and not as high as a hill. Knolls are often found in gentle, rolling landscapes and are sometimes referred to as mounds or small hills.
Hills are notable for their size and the effort required to ascend them. They often form part of larger geographical features such as mountain ranges. Hills can be significant landmarks due to their visibility and size. Knolls are usually smaller and less imposing than hills. They are often isolated features that dot the landscape, providing gentle rises rather than steep climbs. Knolls are more subtle in appearance and can be easily overlooked compared to larger hills.
Comparison Chart
Size
Larger, more prominent
Smaller, less prominent
Elevation
Higher
Lower
Slope
Steeper
Gentler
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Landscape Presence
Often part of larger formations
Often isolated
Visibility
Significant landmark
Subtle feature
Hill and Knoll Definitions
Hill
A natural elevation of the earth's surface.
The children climbed the hill to get a better view of the sunset.
Knoll
A small, rounded hill or mound.
The picnic was set up on a grassy knoll.
Hill
A rounded rise that is higher than the surrounding terrain.
The village is located at the base of a large hill.
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Knoll
A natural feature smaller than a hill, often gently sloping.
The horse grazed on the knoll near the river.
Hill
A terrain feature larger than a knoll but smaller than a mountain.
The park's main attraction is a scenic hill covered in wildflowers.
Knoll
A minor mound in the terrain.
The cabin was built on a knoll to avoid flooding.
Hill
A notable elevation that provides vantage points.
From the top of the hill, you can see the entire valley.
Knoll
A slight elevation that forms a gentle rise.
They found the perfect spot on a knoll to watch the fireworks.
Hill
A geographic feature that is smaller than a mountain.
The trail winds up the steep side of the hill.
Knoll
A modest rise in the landscape, less steep than a hill.
The old oak tree stood atop the knoll.
Hill
A well-defined natural elevation smaller than a mountain.
Knoll
A small rounded hill or mound; a hillock.
Hill
A small heap, pile, or mound.
Knoll
A knell.
Hill
A mound of earth piled around and over a plant.
Knoll
To ring mournfully; knell.
Hill
A plant thus covered.
Knoll
To ring or sound (a bell, for example) mournfully; knell.
Hill
An incline, especially of a road; a slope.
Knoll
A small mound or rounded hill.
Hill
Capitol Hill. Often used with the.
Knoll
(oceanography) A rounded, underwater hill with a prominence of less than 1,000 metres, which does not breach the water's surface.
Hill
The US Congress. Often used with the.
Knoll
A knell.
Hill
To form into a hill, pile, or heap.
Knoll
(transitive) To ring (a bell) mournfully; to knell.
Hill
To cover (a plant) with a mound of soil.
Knoll
(ambitransitive) To sound (something) like a bell; to knell.
Hill
An elevated landmass smaller than a mountain.
The park is sheltered from the wind by a hill to the east.
Knoll
(transitive) To call (someone, to church) by sounding or making a knell (as a bell, a trumpet, etc).
Hill
A sloping road.
You need to pick up speed to get up the hill that's coming up.
Knoll
To arrange related objects in parallel or at 90 degree angles.
Hill
(US) A heap of earth surrounding a plant.
Knoll
A little round hill; a mound; a small elevation of earth; the top or crown of a hill.
On knoll or hillock rears his crest,Lonely and huge, the giant oak.
Hill
(US) A single cluster or group of plants growing close together, and having the earth heaped up about them.
A hill of corn or potatoes
Knoll
The tolling of a bell; a knell.
Hill
(baseball) The pitcher’s mound.
Knoll
To ring, as a bell; to strike a knell upon; to toll; to proclaim, or summon, by ringing.
Heavy clocks knolling the drowsy hours.
Hill
The raised portion of the surface of a vinyl record.
Knoll
To sound, as a bell; to knell.
For a departed being's soulThe death hymn peals, and the hollow bells knoll.
Hill
To form into a heap or mound.
Knoll
A small natural hill
Hill
To heap or draw earth around plants.
Hill
A natural elevation of land, or a mass of earth rising above the common level of the surrounding land; an eminence less than a mountain.
Every mountain and hill shall be made low.
Hill
A single cluster or group of plants growing close together, and having the earth heaped up about them; as, a hill of corn or potatoes.
Hill
To surround with earth; to heap or draw earth around or upon; as, to hill corn.
Showing them how to plant and hill it.
Hill
A local and well-defined elevation of the land
Hill
Structure consisting of an artificial heap or bank usually of earth or stones;
They built small mounds to hide behind
Hill
United States railroad tycoon (1838-1916)
Hill
Risque English comedian (1925-1992)
Hill
(baseball) the slight elevation on which the pitcher stands
Hill
Form into a hill
FAQs
Do hills and knolls have different vegetation?
Vegetation can vary, but both can support similar plant life depending on the environment.
What is the main difference between a hill and a knoll?
A hill is larger and higher, while a knoll is smaller and more rounded.
Are hills and knolls formed in the same way?
Both can be formed by geological processes, but hills are typically more substantial formations.
Can a knoll be considered a type of hill?
Yes, a knoll can be seen as a small, gentle hill.
Are hills more common than knolls?
Hills are more noticeable and often more common in certain landscapes, while knolls can be more frequent in rolling terrains.
Do knolls have specific uses in landscape design?
Knolls are often used in landscape design for creating gentle, natural-looking rises.
Do hills always have steep slopes?
Not always; hills can have varying slopes, but they are generally steeper than knolls.
Can a knoll be part of a larger hill?
Yes, a knoll can be a smaller rise on the side or base of a larger hill.
Which is easier to climb, a hill or a knoll?
A knoll is generally easier to climb due to its smaller size and gentler slope.
Are there any famous knolls?
Yes, Dealey Plaza in Dallas is known for its grassy knoll.
Can a hill have multiple knolls?
Yes, a hill can have several smaller knolls on its slopes.
Can knolls be found in mountainous regions?
Yes, knolls can be found in various terrains, including mountainous regions, but they are typically more common in gentle landscapes.
Is there a minimum height for a hill?
There is no strict minimum height, but hills are typically higher than the surrounding terrain by a noticeable amount.
Can a hill become a mountain?
A hill can be classified as a mountain if it reaches a certain height, but this classification can vary by region.
Are knolls often named?
Knolls are less likely to have specific names compared to hills or mountains.
Are knolls considered significant landmarks?
Knolls are generally less prominent and less likely to be significant landmarks compared to hills.
Is the term "knoll" commonly used?
The term "knoll" is less commonly used than "hill" in everyday language.
Do hills affect local climate?
Hills can affect local climate by influencing wind patterns and precipitation.
Can both hills and knolls be used for recreational activities?
Yes, both can be used for hiking, picnicking, and other outdoor activities.
Are hills and knolls found worldwide?
Yes, both hills and knolls are found in various landscapes around the world.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
