# lobe

/ˈɫoʊb/ (US) · /lˈəʊb/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lobe
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. part of an organ

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a specific section of an organ in the body, such as the brain, lungs, or liver.

For teachers: a distinct, anatomically defined division of an organ, identifiable at the gross anatomy level.

- The doctor explained that the tumor was located in the lower lobe of the right lung.
- Damage to the frontal lobe can result in significant changes to a person's personality and executive functioning capabilities.

Usage: Often used with specific anatomical modifiers like 'frontal', 'temporal', or 'pulmonary'.

### 2. earlobe

noun · CEFR B2

the soft, fleshy part at the bottom of your ear.

For teachers: the soft, pendulous lower part of the external ear.

- She felt a sharp pinch when the jeweler pierced her left lobe.
- The heavy gold earrings caused her lobes to stretch slightly over several years of frequent wear.

### 3. rounded projection

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

any rounded part that sticks out from the main body of something.

For teachers: a rounded projection or division of a leaf, a tool, or a physical object.

- The oak leaf has several rounded lobes along its edges.
- The cam was designed with a specific lobe shape to ensure the valve opened at precisely the right moment in the cycle.

## Examples

- She felt a sharp pain in her left ear lobe.
- The surgeon carefully examined the lower lobe of the patient's right lung for signs of infection.
- Neuroscientists have identified that the frontal lobe is responsible for higher-level cognitive functions, including decision-making, planning, and the regulation of social behavior.

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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.