knob

American  

[nob] / nɒb /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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 Scientific  

/ nŏb /

1. A prominent, rounded hill or mountain.

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Other Word Forms

• knobby adjective
• knoblike adjective

Etymology

Origin of knob

1350–1400; Middle English knobbe < Middle Low German

Explanation

You can use the word knob for any bump or bulge, like the egg-shaped knob on your head after you bumped it on the door knob. Along the same likes as a bulging lump or protuberance, a knob is also a handle that juts out and is round shaped. The knobs on your dresser might be glass or porcelain, while the knobs on your kitchen cabinets could be made of chrome. There are also the knobs, or controls, on your old fashioned TV or radio, and the knob that's basically a lump or hunk, like a knob of butter.

Example Sentences

Now, many hitters hold the bat with their bottom hand completely wrapped around the knob, sometimes with their pinkie off the bat entirely.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

"There is a splice site in Homer1 that can be pharmacologically targeted, which may be an ideal way to help dial the knob on brain signal-to-noise levels," Rajasethupathy says.

From Science Daily • Jan. 2, 2026

She had the kind that had batteries and a digital display and a few that that had a knob on top that showed the temperature.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 21, 2025

If you'd like to amp up the richness, a knob or two of butter added directly to the surface of the steak about halfway through the cooking process will help add moisture, color and flavor.

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2025

But the second my hand hits the knob I hear, “Why are you here?”

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Related Words

• doorknob
• latch
• lever