Knob
/nɒb/
A knob is a small, rounded handle used to operate something, a natural rounded lump or growth, or an informal term for an annoying or inexperienced person.
Examples
- The knob on the radio was stuck on high volume.
- They replaced the kitchen cabinet knobs with modern pulls.
- The tree had a large knob near its base where a branch once grew.
- Don't listen to him, he's just a knob who doesn't know better.
- I was a real knob when I was younger, always showing off.
Meanings
Derived from Old English cnob, which referred to a small lump or protuberance. It evolved in Middle English to describe rounded projections, especially those used as handles.
Examples
- She turned the knob slowly to adjust the temperature.
- The knobs on the old dresser were chipped and loose.
- He couldn't open the door because the knob fell off.
- They replaced the kitchen cabinet knobs with modern pulls.
- The knob on the radio was stuck on high volume.
The sense of a natural lump or swelling developed alongside the manufactured sense, both stemming from the idea of a rounded mass.
Examples
- The tree had a large knob near its base where a branch once grew.
- He felt a strange knob under his skin and went to the doctor.
- The rock formation featured odd knobs that looked like eyes.
- Each knob on the fungus released spores when touched.
- The knobs on the coral attracted small fish.
Emerging in the 1700s as slang, likely drawing on the physical image of a small, undeveloped lump to describe an immature or awkward person.
Examples
- Don't listen to him, he's just a knob who doesn't know better.
- Back in school, the older kids used to call me a knob.
- Why are you letting that knob make decisions for the team?
- He acted like such a knob at the meeting.
- I was a real knob when I was younger, always showing off.