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Definition of knobby

knobby

/ˈnɑː.bi/
knob · by
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knobby Lexical Profile

knobby Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having or covered with small, rounded lumps, knots, or prominent joints.

Example

"The ancient oak tree had knobby roots that twisted across the forest floor."

2

British Stylish, chic, or belonging to the upper class (often spelled 'nobby').

Example

"The gentleman arrived at the club wearing a rather knobby tailored waistcoat."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for knobby

• Nearby Words

knobbed
knobbled
knobbly
knobby
knobhead
knoblike
knock

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 16th century from the Middle English noun 'knob' (likely borrowed from Middle Low German 'knobbe', meaning a knot, bud, or lump) combined with the adjectival suffix '-y'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Knobby. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 4, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/knobby
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