keyfob

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   a small object attached to a key ring, often decorative or for identification

   Grammar: Countable: one keyfob, two keyfobs. Often written as two words: key fob.

   Patterns

   • a keyfob for something
   • attach a keyfob to something

   She bought a leather keyfob with her initials on it.

   I keep my house keys on a bright red keyfob so I can find them easily.

   The hotel gives guests a keyfob instead of a traditional key.

2. 2nouncountable

   a small electronic device that locks or unlocks a car or door when pressed

   Grammar: Countable: one keyfob, two keyfobs. Also called a remote or key fob.

   Patterns

   • press the keyfob
   • use a keyfob to do something
   • a keyfob for a car

   He pressed the keyfob to unlock the car doors.

   If you lose the keyfob, you may need to replace the whole locking system.

   The keyfob battery died, so I had to use the manual key.

Word forms

Common combinations

electronic keyfob

The electronic keyfob lets you open the gate from your car.

car keyfob

I dropped my car keyfob in the parking lot.

keyfob battery

The keyfob battery needs replacing every year or two.

press the keyfob

Press the keyfob twice to lock all the doors.

keyfob with a logo

The rental company gave us a keyfob with its logo on it.

Synonyms and how they differ

remote

More general; can refer to any remote control, while 'keyfob' specifically attaches to keys or is shaped like one.

key ring

A ring that holds keys; a keyfob may be attached to a key ring, but a key ring is not electronic.

fob

Short form of 'keyfob', used especially for the electronic type.

Word family

fob noun

Short for keyfob; also a small pocket for a watch.

key noun

The metal object used to open a lock; a keyfob is often attached to keys.

Commonly confused: keyfob or keyboard? keyfob or keyhole?

Practice

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