knob

[nob]

noun

1. a projecting part, usually rounded, forming the handle of a door, drawer, or the like.

2. a rounded lump or protuberance on the surface or at the end of something, as a knot on a tree trunk.

3. Architecture.,  an ornamental boss, as of carved work.

4. a rounded hill, mountain, or elevation on a ridge.

verb (used with object)

knobbed, knobbing 

1. to produce a knob on.

2. to furnish with a knob.

3. (in stone cutting) to knock off (excess stone) preparatory to dressing; knobble; skiffle.

knob

/ nɒb /

noun

1. a rounded projection from a surface, such as a lump on a tree trunk

2. a handle of a door, drawer, etc, esp one that is rounded

3. a round hill or knoll or morainic ridge

4. taboo,  a slang word for penis

5. informal,  the same to you but even more so

verb

1. (tr) to supply or ornament with knobs

2. (intr) to form into a knob; bulge

3. taboo,  to have sexual intercourse with (someone)

knob

1. A prominent, rounded hill or mountain.

Other Word Forms

• knoblike adjective
• knobby adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of knob¹

1350–1400; Middle English knobbe < Middle Low German

Word History and Origins

Origin of knob¹

C14: from Middle Low German knobbe knot in wood; see _knop

Example Sentences

With little money for toys, she and her siblings entertained themselves using the knobs on a dresser as instruments on a ship, sailing on faraway seas.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I melted a knob of butter in a small saucepan, then a spoonful of the dried leaves.

Read more on Salon

Its hoodlike structure is called a spathe, which envelopes a bulb-shaped structure called the spadix, a fleshy knob dotted by dozens of tiny, petal-less yellow flowers.

Read more on Salon

The knobs felt like a thousand hands had worn them soft over time.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A dinner roll the size of a closed fist, its warmth melting a knob of cinnamon butter into something almost scandalous.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• doorknob 
• latch 
• lever