fob
1 of 3noun
ˈfäb 
1
: watch pocket
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
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
Consumer Reports fob
2 of 3verb
fobbed; fobbing
transitive verb
archaic
: deceive, cheat
FOB
3 of 3abbreviation
free on board
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Jeff Yip, Houston Chronicle, 3 Nov. 2017 The vehicle had an electronic key fob inside the unlocked vehicle, which allowed the suspect to start the car. Brittany Seemuth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2017 The power liftgate has a programmable height setting and can be opened one of three ways; a button on the key fob, a button inside the vehicle, or a touch pad on the lower edge of the liftgate. Emma Jayne Williams, star-telegram, 30 Sep. 2017 Grand Theft Auto 8800 block of Miralago Way in Parkland, Sept. 5, 8:07 a.m. People entered two unlocked vehicles in the driveway and rummaged through them and stole a 2011 Jaguar XJL with the key fob left inside. Sun-Sentinel.com, 17 Oct. 2017 BURGLARY Keys attached to a key fob and lanyard were reportedly stolen between Sept. 9 and 10 from a vehicle parked in the 6400 block of Spaulding Avenue. Chicago Tribune, chicagotribune.com, 18 Sep. 2017 Ed Bilinkas offered the jury his theory of how the key fob may have been broken. Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2017 View 105 Photos Active Key-Fob Commands For Rams equipped with the air suspension, holding down a button on the key fob will lower the truck for easier entry. Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 13 Sep. 2017 Residents open the door with an electronic key fob. Vic Ryckaert, Indianapolis Star, 13 Oct. 2017 Alexandre Tanzi, Bloomberg.com, 11 Nov. 2020 See More
Noun
Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert Trailer light check enables the driver, using the key fob, to verify that running lights, turn signals and brake lights are operating as intended. Jeff Yip, Houston Chronicle, 3 Nov. 2017 The vehicle had an electronic key fob inside the unlocked vehicle, which allowed the suspect to start the car. Brittany Seemuth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2017 The power liftgate has a programmable height setting and can be opened one of three ways; a button on the key fob, a button inside the vehicle, or a touch pad on the lower edge of the liftgate. Emma Jayne Williams, star-telegram, 30 Sep. 2017 Grand Theft Auto 8800 block of Miralago Way in Parkland, Sept. 5, 8:07 a.m. People entered two unlocked vehicles in the driveway and rummaged through them and stole a 2011 Jaguar XJL with the key fob left inside. Sun-Sentinel.com, 17 Oct. 2017 BURGLARY Keys attached to a key fob and lanyard were reportedly stolen between Sept. 9 and 10 from a vehicle parked in the 6400 block of Spaulding Avenue. Chicago Tribune, chicagotribune.com, 18 Sep. 2017 Ed Bilinkas offered the jury his theory of how the key fob may have been broken. Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2017 View 105 Photos Active Key-Fob Commands For Rams equipped with the air suspension, holding down a button on the key fob will lower the truck for easier entry. Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 13 Sep. 2017 Residents open the door with an electronic key fob. Vic Ryckaert, Indianapolis Star, 13 Oct. 2017 Verb
The Kastle Return to Work Barometer tabulates key-card and fob office access data from 3,600 buildings and 41,000 businesses in 47 states. Alexandre Tanzi, Bloomberg.com, 11 Nov. 2020 See More 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
Phrases Containing fob
Legal Definition
F.O.B.
abbreviation
free on board