key fob
Americannoun
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a programmed, battery-powered device enabling keyless access or entry, especially to a vehicle, usually carried on a key ring or keychain.
The windows and sunroof of your car can also be opened and closed using the key fob.
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an ornament or other object attached to a key ring or keychain.
This key fob of tooled leather can hold a small photo.
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a key ring or keychain with such an ornament on it.
Has anyone turned in a key fob with a little foam golf ball and three keys on it?
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Etymology
Origin of key fob
First recorded in 1910–15
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It pops out when it needs to be used, either automatically through the user’s key fob or phone, or manually by pressing the handle.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 3, 2026
The doors typically don’t unlock when I approach the car until I pull out the key fob and hit the unlock button.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 20, 2025
You can also weaken the signal by purchasing a signal blocking bag or box to leave the key fob in.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 26, 2025
He was identified by a golf hat and a distinct key fob that he was wearing during the riot that matched other online photos of Mr Williams.
From BBC ● Nov. 14, 2024
Regardless, he opened it with the key fob and tossed the precious portfolio in the back seat.
From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
