noun
fob
fob
Fob (noun) means a small handheld device used to unlock a car or open a secured door remotely, or a decorative attachment on a keychain or watch chain. Example: “She pressed the fob to unlock her car from across the parking lot.”
noun
1
A small handheld device used to unlock a car or open a secured door remotely, or a decorative attachment on a keychain or watch chain.
"She pressed the fob to unlock her car from across the parking lot."
"His grandfather still carried a pocket watch with a silver fob."
2
A small pocket for holding a watch or valuables, especially in old-fashioned trousers or waistcoats.
"The antique waistcoat had a fob for a pocket watch."
verb
1
To cheat or trick someone, often in the phrase "fob off."
"He tried to fob off the customer with a cheap replacement."
How to use fob
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small remote-control device for cars/doors, or (older sense) a pocket or chain ornament for a watch.
Common pairings
key fob
fob off
watch fob
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Word forms
- Plural
- fobs
- Third person singular
- fobs
- Past tense
- fobbed
Fill the gap
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She pressed the _____ to unlock her car from across the parking lot.
Etymology
Probably from an old Germanic word for "pocket," related to Swedish ficka and German dialect forms.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “fob” mean?
The word “fob” means a small handheld device used to unlock a car or open a secured door remotely, or a decorative attachment on a keychain or watch chain. In plain terms, a small remote-control device for cars/doors, or (older sense) a pocket or chain ornament for a watch.
How do you pronounce “fob”?
“Fob” is pronounced fob (/fɒb/ in IPA).
How do you use “fob” in a sentence?
Here is “fob” used in a sentence: “She pressed the fob to unlock her car from across the parking lot.”
What part of speech is “fob”?
Depending on how it is used, “fob” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “fob” come from?
The word “fob” comes from Germanic. Probably from an old Germanic word for "pocket," related to Swedish ficka and German dialect forms.
How many meanings does “fob” have?
“Fob” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small handheld device used to unlock a car or open a secured door remotely, or a decorative attachment on a keychain or watch chain.
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