# knob

/ˈnɑb/ (US) · /nˈɒb/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/knob
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a round handle on a door or a drawer that you turn or pull to open it. It can also be a round button on a machine used to change settings like volume or heat.

For teachers: a rounded handle or control switch, typically used for opening doors or adjusting electronic settings. In culinary contexts, refers to a small, irregular lump of a soft substance like butter.

## Examples

- Turn the knob to open the door.
- He adjusted the volume knob on the radio until the music was at a comfortable level.
- The chef added a generous knob of butter to the pan, allowing it to foam slightly before tossing in the fresh sage leaves for the sauce.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the phrase 'a knob of' when referring to butter or similar fats in cooking.

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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.