1
2
: a short strap, ribbon, or chain attached especially to a pocket watch
3
: an ornament attached to a fob chain
4
or key fob
: an object attached to a key chain or key ring
especially
: a small electronic device used typically in place of a key (as to unlock a door or start a vehicle) or to remotely initiate the action of another device (such as a garage door)
Wireless systems are triggered by pressing a button on a remote fob much like those used for car alarms. —
Max Alexander
Max Alexander The remote-start key fob has a range of several hundred feet, allowing you to start the car's engine from inside your home. —Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports Examples of fob in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2025
During a search of the homes, investigators found a loaded magazine for a firearm, ski masks, key fobs for vehicles, a tool used to access vehicle diagnostic information, several replica firearms, ammunition and steel chains.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
Christopher Carroll, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
As such, brands have less license to fob us off with marketing spiel.
—Viola Levy, refinery29.com, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for fob
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Noun
At the time of the sale, the victim was given one key fob for the vehicle and was told he would be mailed the spare key, Boislard said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2025
During a search of the homes, investigators found a loaded magazine for a firearm, ski masks, key fobs for vehicles, a tool used to access vehicle diagnostic information, several replica firearms, ammunition and steel chains.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
Verb
Bernard DeVoto simply wanted to do something else—a books section—and tried to fob the job off on H. L. Mencken, who wasn’t available.
—Christopher Carroll, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
As such, brands have less license to fob us off with marketing spiel.
—Viola Levy, refinery29.com, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for fob
Cite this Entry
“Fob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fob. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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