fob

1 of 3

noun

1
2
: a short strap, ribbon, or chain attached especially to a pocket watch
3
: an ornament attached to a fob chain
4
or key fob : an object attached to a key chain or key ring
especially : a small electronic device used typically in place of a key (as to unlock a door or start a vehicle) or to remotely initiate the action of another device (such as a garage door)
Wireless systems are triggered by pressing a button on a remote fob much like those used for car alarms. Max Alexander
The remote-start key fob has a range of several hundred feet, allowing you to start the car's engine from inside your home. Consumer Reports

fob

2 of 3

verb

fobbed; fobbing

FOB

3 of 3

abbreviation

Examples of fob in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
One helpful change is that users can tap their fob on the new docks rather than insert it. John Surico, Curbed, 29 June 2024 And, owners can keep a ‘key’ in Apple Wallet or a Google Pixel phone and lock, unlock and drive the Rivian without a physical key fob. Scotty Reiss, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
Verb
My mom fobbed me off with wistful trips around the city. Eren Orbey, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for fob 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps akin to German dialect Fuppe pocket

Verb

Middle English fobben

First Known Use

Noun

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fob was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fob

Cite this Entry

“Fob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fob. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

fob

noun
ˈfäb
1
: a short strap, ribbon, or chain attached especially to a pocket watch
2
: a small ornament worn on a watch chain
3
or key fob : an object attached especially to a key chain or key ring
especially : a small electronic device used typically in place of a key (as to unlock a door) or to remotely work another device

Legal Definition

F.O.B.

abbreviation
free on board
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!