hob: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal (UK domestic), Archaic/Historical (fireplace sense), Rare/Literary (folkloric sense)
Quick answer
What does “hob” mean?
A flat heating surface on a cooker or a shelf at the side of a fireplace.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A flat heating surface on a cooker or a shelf at the side of a fireplace.
Primarily British English for the top part of a cooker containing the heating elements or burners for pots and pans. Also, a flat metal shelf at the side of a fireplace used for heating or keeping food warm. Historically, a metal shelf in a hearth for resting pots. In folklore (often as 'Hob'), a rustic or helpful goblin or elf.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'hob' is the standard domestic term for the cooking surface. In the US, this word is very rare for this meaning; 'stove top', 'cooktop', or 'burners' are used. The fireplace sense is equally historical in both regions. The folkloric sense is archaic in both.
Connotations
UK: Utilitarian, domestic, everyday. US: Unfamiliar, potentially confused with 'hub'. Historical/Folkloric: Rustic, antiquated, supernatural.
Frequency
High frequency in UK domestic contexts. Very low to zero frequency in US domestic contexts. The other senses are low frequency globally.
Grammar
How to Use “hob” in a Sentence
to cook sth on the hobto boil a kettle on the hobthe pot sat on the hobVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hob” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare/technical) The installer will hob the unit into the worktop.
American English
- (Extremely rare) To hob metal is to cut gear teeth.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Retail/Manufacturing: 'The new model features a four-zone induction hob.'
Academic
Historical/Archaeological: 'The cottage's fireplace included a hob for warming food.'
Everyday
Domestic (UK): 'Can you turn the pasta down on the hob?'
Technical
Appliance Installation: 'Ensure the hob is correctly wired to the mains supply.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hob”
- Using 'hob' in the US and being misunderstood.
- Confusing 'hob' (surface) with 'oven' (enclosed chamber).
- Mispronouncing to rhyme with 'robe' (correct is /hɒb/ or /hɑːb/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. Americans typically say 'stove top', 'cooktop', or 'burners'. An American might only encounter 'hob' in British media or very old phrases like 'raise hob'.
The hob is the top surface with burners for pots and pans. The oven is the enclosed, heated compartment below or beside it used for baking and roasting.
'Hob' is a shortening of 'Hobbe', a rustic form of the name 'Robert' or 'Robin', used for a friendly, rustic goblin or brownie in English folklore, leading to the term 'hobgoblin'.
Yes, but it's highly specialized. In engineering, it can mean to cut gear teeth. In kitchen fitting (UK), it can informally mean to install a hob into a worktop. This usage is not common in everyday language.
A flat heating surface on a cooker or a shelf at the side of a fireplace.
Hob is usually informal (uk domestic), archaic/historical (fireplace sense), rare/literary (folkloric sense) in register.
Hob: in British English it is pronounced /hɒb/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɑːb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “raise hob (US, archaic/variant of 'raise Cain' meaning to cause trouble)”
- “play hob with (US, archaic, meaning to damage or disrupt)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A HOB is where you put a POT. Both are short, simple words for essential, flat things in the kitchen.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HEARTH/COOKING SURFACE AS A CENTRAL DOMESTIC POINT (akin to a 'hub' of activity).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY meaning of 'hob' in a modern British furniture catalogue?