How do you use the word "knob" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "knob": Turn the knob and open the door. Twist that knob to the right and the box will open.

Knob Meaning

/nɒb/

Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

nounA rounded protuberance, especially one arising from a flat surface; a fleshy lump or caruncle.

nounA rounded control switch that can be turned on its axis, designed to be operated by the fingers.

Sentence Examples

Turn the knob and open the door.

Twist that knob to the right and the box will open.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms:

boss node thickening

Antonyms:

None

CEFR Practice Quiz

She turned the door ____ to open the room and walked inside slowly.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

She turned the small brass ____ on the door and walked slowly into the quiet and dark room tonight.

Word Origin & History

From Middle English knobbe, from Middle Low German knobbe (“knob, knot in wood, bud”), probably ultimately from a variant of Proto-Germanic *knappô (“knob, lump”), one of several kn- words related to *knudaną (“to knead”). Compare Middle Dutch knobbe, cnoppe, Middle Low German knobbe (“knob, knot in wood”), knubbe, Dutch knop (“knob, button, bud”), Old Frisian knopp, knapp, Old High German knopf (“bud, pommel of a sword, knot, loop”), Middle High German knospe, German Knopf (“button, knob”), Knospe (“bud”), Danish knap (“button”), knop (“knob, button, bud”), Faroese knappur (“button”), Icelandic hnappur (“button”), Norn knapp (“round button”), knubbi (“potato”), snapp (“knob, round top”), Norwegian and Swedish knapp (“button”), Norwegian knopp (“bud”), Swedish knopp (“bud, knob”), Finnish nappi (“button, knob”), nuppi (“knob, pommel”), Old Norse knyfill (“short horn”). Also compare Middle English knap, knappe (“small projection, knob (button, tassel, tuft, etc.), hill, hilltop, etc.)”), from Old English cnæp, cnæpp (“summit, top”), which is possibly related to Old Norse knappr (“small projection, knob (button, head of a stick, etc.)”) (whence English knop), from Proto-Germanic *knappô (“knob, lump”), *knuppô (“lump, clod”). Cognate with Dutch knob, knobbel (“knob”), German Knubbe, Knubbel (“knob”). See also knop. For the sense of a rounded hill, see nab and knab.

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"We climbed to the top of Slate Hill, the highest knob in our town, and Ricky gave me a whole talk on how slate formed, how it was and was not shale." — 2011, John Jeremiah Sullivan, Pulphead, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, page 144:

"Arthur slammed his fist down on the table so hard, the cup jumped, spilling coffee. The rotten bastard means to have the guvnor’s guts. That fucking knob has never been on a live deployment in his entire life.[…]" — 2013, Roger Gray, Target Trojan, page 157:

"[…] He must really hate those people!” my father said in an all-too audible aside to Mom. “I don’t hate them, you stupid knob!” Critch said. It’s you and your whole kind I hate!”" — 2014 May, Thirteen O’Clock Press, Behind Closed Doors:

"“Yes,” said Jessie, pouring herself a coffee. “The rumours are true. Birdie McBride has a big knob.” “No,” I corrected, deadpan, “I said he is a big knob,”" — 2015, C. J. Cronin, chapter 29, in Assassination:

"[…]I let out a sigh, and then stood up, and looked toward the thief, who was still running. “Bloody knob!” I called out, and then began to wipe off the dirt and water with my sweater sleeve." — 2016 August, Zona Haselton, chapter 2, in Vengeance:

Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words