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

The base is cast from quick-heating heavy-gauge stainless steel, but the heat-resistant wooden handle and bead knob keep your hands from getting burned. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

After listening to some consumers complain about Rivians’ lack of knobs and buttons, the EV maker met them halfway. — Greg Migliore, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Featuring a classic gold-tone knob and black handle, Le Creuset’s elevated tea kettle is now under $75 in the retiring olive color. — Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026

In another edge over many EVs, analog switches manage some key controls, including a volume knob. — Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 15 July 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