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

Example Sentences

The boy on the fiddle turns a knob on an oversize boom box, cranks up the volume, and starts strumming.

From Literature

But as he reached for the knob, he froze, struck with a realization.

From Literature

There was perhaps an extra knob or two on the misshapen head, teeth were missing—but to that vast, kindly ugliness the beating had made no real difference at all.

From Literature

I wanted to twist the knobs on the radios and punch at the keys of the typewriters, but the admonishment from the counter girl downstairs made me keep my hands firmly clasped together.

From Literature

This house is too squat; I pictured Charles living in a ramshackle place a hundred years old, the type of location where knobs are always coming off bannisters in people’s hands.

From Literature

Related Words

• doorknob
• latch
• lever