knob

noun

ˈnäb How to pronounce knob (audio)
Synonyms of knobnext
1
a
: a small rounded ornament or handle
b
: a rounded protuberance : lump
2
: a rounded usually isolated hill or mountain
knobbed
ˈnäbd How to pronounce knob (audio)
adjective
knobby
ˈnä-bē How to pronounce knob (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of knob

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Examples of knob in a Sentence

a carved walking stick with a silver knob toss a knob of butter into the frying pan
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In an era when automakers seem determined to replace every knob and switch with a touchscreen command, even small dedicated controls deserve recognition. — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The knob twists and depresses like a button (with programmable options for both a short and long press). — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 3 Aug. 2026 Thankfully, though, there are quite a few physical buttons, alongside a gear selector that resembles an airplane throttle, and a rotary drive-mode knob. — New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026 Led by Guido Pagano, PhD, a physics and astronomy professor at Rice University in Houston, Texas, the research team developed a two-knob control system that independently regulates heating and cooling. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for knob

Word History

Etymology

Middle English knobbe; akin to Middle Low German knubbe knob

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of knob was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing knob

Rhymes for knob

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Browse Nearby Words

knivesful
knob
knob and tube wiring
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Cite this Entry

“Knob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knob. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

knob

noun
ˈnäb How to pronounce knob (audio)
1
a
: a rounded lump
b
: a small rounded handle
2
: a rounded hill
knobbed
ˈnäbd How to pronounce knob (audio)
adjective
knobby
ˈnäb-ē How to pronounce knob (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

knob

noun
ˈnäb How to pronounce knob (audio)
: a rounded protuberance or lump
knobby
ˈnäb-ē How to pronounce knob (audio)
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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