Words / A2

NOB/nɒb/

A knob is a round handle you turn or pull: a door knob, cooker knob, volume knob. Handle can be longer (a suitcase handle). Button is usually flatter and clicked. Tap is for water (British). Turn the knob to change heat or sound. Do not write nob (informal rich person) in careful writing — different word.

Meaning

A round handle that you turn or pull, for example on a door or cooker.

Examples

• “Turn the knob to a lower heat.”
• “The oven knob was too hot to hold.”
• “He turned the radio knob until the news came on.”

Good to know

a door / cooker / volume knob. Contrast: handle, button. Water: tap (British).

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