Meaning & use
watch fob
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
A short chain, ribbon, or strap attached to a pocket watch, often worn hanging from a waistcoat or belt.
Grammar: Countable: one watch fob, two watch fobs.
Patterns
- a watch fob
- wear a watch fob
- attach a watch fob to something
He wore a silver watch fob across his waistcoat.
The antique watch came with its original watch fob.
She collects watch fobs from the early twentieth century.
nouncountable
A small ornament or medallion attached to a watch chain.
Grammar: Countable; often used in the plural when referring to several ornaments.
Patterns
- a gold watch fob
- a watch fob with a design
The watch fob was engraved with his initials.
A decorative watch fob hung from the chain.
Word forms
| plural | watch fobs |
|---|
Common combinations
- gold watch fob
- He inherited a gold watch fob from his grandfather.
- silver watch fob
- The silver watch fob matched his cufflinks.
- wear a watch fob
- In those days, gentlemen wore a watch fob with their suits.
- watch fob chain
- The watch fob chain was too short to reach his pocket.
Synonyms and how they differ
- fob
- A short form that usually refers to the same object; 'fob' can also mean a small pocket for a watch.
- watch chain
- A chain for a watch, but not necessarily decorative or attached to a fob.
Word family
- fob noun
- A small pocket or short strap, especially for a watch.
- fob watch noun
- A watch worn in a small pocket, often attached to a chain.
Commonly confused: watch fob or key fob?
watch fob vs key fob
A key fob is a small object attached to a key ring, often electronic; a watch fob is for a watch.
Practice
What is a watch fob?
Choose one answer.
A watch fob is a chain or strap, not a pocket (which is a 'fob pocket') or a wristwatch.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “watch fob”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.