# Cobb

/ˈkɑb/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cobb
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a surname

noun · CEFR A1

a common family name in English-speaking countries.

For teachers: a common English surname of various origins, including topographic or occupational roots.

- The famous baseball player Ty Cobb was known for his incredible hitting ability.
- The research paper was co-authored by Professor Cobb, a leading expert in the field of structural engineering and sustainable design.

### 2. building material

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a natural building material made from clay, sand, straw, and water.

For teachers: a traditional building material consisting of clay, sand, straw, water, and earth, similar to adobe. Often spelled 'cob'.

- They decided to build a small garden shed using traditional cobb because it is eco-friendly.
- The restoration of the medieval cottage required specialized knowledge of cobb construction to ensure the new walls matched the breathability of the original structure.

### 3. Cobb salad

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

a famous American salad with chicken, avocado, egg, and bacon.

For teachers: a main-dish American garden salad typically made with chopped salad greens, tomato, crisp bacon, chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and cheese.

- I usually order a Cobb salad for lunch because it is very filling.
- The chef's signature Cobb salad was meticulously arranged in neat rows, showcasing the freshness of the avocado and the perfectly crisped bacon bits.

### 4. a stone pier

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Literary

a wall or pier made of large stones to protect a harbour.

For teachers: a pier or breakwater made of cobblestones or large boulders, specifically associated with the harbour at Lyme Regis in England.

- We walked along the Cobb to watch the waves crash against the old stone wall.
- The Cobb at Lyme Regis features prominently in classic literature, serving as a dramatic backdrop for pivotal scenes in nineteenth-century novels.

## Examples

- The old street is paved with smooth cobbles.
- Tourists often trip on the uneven cobbles in the historic city center.
- The rhythmic clatter of carriage wheels on wet cobbles evokes a sense of nostalgia for a slower, more deliberate era of urban life.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.