Knob
/nɑːb/
nounA2
Definition
A knob is a small, usually round object attached to something, which you can hold and turn or pull. It is often used to open doors, drawers, or to control machines like radios or ovens.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
A small round handle used to open or close something
- •Turn the knob to open the door.
- •The drawer has a wooden knob.
- •She grabbed the knob and pulled the window open.
A control on a machine that you turn to adjust settings
- •Turn the knob to increase the volume.
- •The stove has knobs to control the heat.
- •He adjusted the radio knob to find the station.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "knob" like "handle" (A1 word), but usually round and smaller, something you twist or pull
- ✓Picture a round door handle that you turn to open a door or a round button on a stove you turn to make it hot
- ✓It's the feeling when you grip something small and round to control or open it
- ✓Sounds like "knob" → imagine a small "knob" on a door that you grab and twist like turning a small ball
- ✓Remember turning the volume knob on a radio to make the sound louder or softer
- ✓NOT like "button" (usually pressed), a knob is usually turned or pulled
- ✓NOT like "handle" (can be any shape), a knob is specifically round and often small
- ✓NOT like "switch" (which flips on/off), a knob often turns smoothly to different positions
Try Other Words
- •Handle: a part you hold to open or move something (Use when the part is bigger or not round)
- •Dial: a round control you turn to adjust settings (Use when talking about machines like radios or ovens)
- •Button: a small part you press to make something work (Use when the control is pressed, not turned)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: knob (single root word, no prefix or suffix)
- •Etymology: From Middle English "knobbe," meaning a lump or small rounded object
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe a small rounded lump or protuberance, later used for handles and controls
- •Modern usage: Commonly means a small round handle or control on doors, furniture, or machines
Reflect & Connect
•How do knobs help us interact with machines and objects in daily life?
•Can you think of examples where a knob is better than a button or a switch? Why?
Fill in the blanks
1.To open the door, you need to turn the knob ___ your hand.
2.The radio's volume knob is easy to ___ to make the sound louder or quieter.
3.Unlike a button, a knob usually needs to be ___, not pressed.
4.She pulled the drawer by holding the small round knob ___ her fingers.
5.When the stove is too hot, you can lower the heat by turning the knob ___.
6.The knob on the old radio was smooth and easy to ___.
7.If a door has no knob, it might be hard to ___ it open.