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key fob

American  
[kee fob] / ˈki ˌfɒb /

noun

  1. 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.

    1. an ornament or other object attached to a key ring or keychain.

      This key fob of tooled leather can hold a small photo.

    2. 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?


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.

See Examples For:

Still they forgot things, like a $600 spare key fob for Frank’s truck.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 20, 2026

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

In the Anaheim Hills incidents, one of the vehicles was stolen by thieves accessing the key fob signal through an antenna.

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

The woman pulled a key fob from her pocket, and the red lights of a minivan flashed.

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby

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