English Reference

Word

fob

US/ˈfɔb/

UK/fˈɒb/

Definition

n. a small electronic device you use to open a car door or get into a building. It is also a short name for a key ring or a decorative item on a chain.

n. a small electronic device used for remote keyless entry or authentication; also refers to a decorative ornament attached to a watch chain or key ring.

Examples

“I pressed the button on my key fob to unlock the car.”

“Employees must tap their security fob against the reader to gain access to the laboratory after hours.”

“The antique pocket watch was accompanied by a heavy gold fob, a family heirloom that had been passed down through four generations of watchmakers.”

Examples

simple

“I pressed the button on my key fob to unlock the car.”

contextual

“Employees must tap their security fob against the reader to gain access to the laboratory after hours.”

complex

“The antique pocket watch was accompanied by a heavy gold fob, a family heirloom that had been passed down through four generations of watchmakers.”

Usage

Commonly used in modern contexts to refer to electronic access tokens.

Real-World Examples

“There’s also a little pin mounted on a plastic fob for clearing the steam wand’s nozzles when they inevitably get blocked with dried milk.”
The Guardian · 2 Sept 2026
“He said he felt "fobbed off" when he complained to the cruise director.”
BBC News · 20 Aug 2026

Domains

MilitaryMusicPolitics

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference