Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Knurly /(nûrl"y̆)/ · Knurl·y · IPA /ˈnɜː(ɹ)li/ 01 Compar. Full of knots; hard; tough; hence, capable of enduring or resisting much. 1. Full of knots; hard; tough; hence, capable of enduring or resisting much.