knob

noun

ˈnäb 

1

a

: a small rounded ornament or handle

b

: a rounded protuberance : lump

2

: a rounded usually isolated hill or mountain

knobbed

ˈnäbd 

adjective

knobby

ˈnä-bē 

adjective

Synonyms of knob

• chunk
• hunk
• clump
• wad
• glob
• lump

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

As performance cars increasingly isolate drivers from the mechanical process of driving, the simple act of reaching for that unique shift knob reinforces the notion that the tactile pleasures of driving are still worth celebrating. — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026

Even the comfort and driving control knobs situated below the phone mount pull out and push back in. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 15 Oct. 2026

To change the settings for each, press the small button on the side of the faucet knob. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026

This dresser accommodates all your clothing, linens, and more, while the antique brass knobs add a pretty design detail. — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2026

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

Phrases Containing knob

• stop knob

Rhymes for knob

• blob
• bob
• cob
• daub
• fob
• glob
• gob
• hob
• job
• lob
• mob
• rob

Kids Definition

knob

noun

ˈnäb 

1

a

: a rounded lump

b

: a small rounded handle

2

: a rounded hill

knobbed

ˈnäbd 

adjective

knobby

ˈnäb-ē 

adjective

Medical Definition

knob

noun

ˈnäb 

: a rounded protuberance or lump

knobby

ˈnäb-ē 

adjective