# hob

> English word · Noun · IPA /hɑb/ · frequency rank #38,889

## Definitions
1. A kind of cutting tool, used to cut the teeth of a gear.
2. The flat projection or iron shelf at the side of a fire grate, where things are put to be kept warm.
3. The top cooking surface on a cooker; a cooktop. It typically comprises several cooking elements (often four), also known as 'rings'.
4. A rounded peg used as a target in several games, especially in quoits.
5. A male ferret.
6. The hub of a wheel.

## Etymology
Related to hub, but the ultimate origin of both words is obscure.

## Easily confused with
- **HR** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hr)
- **HP** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hp)
- **HQ** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hq)
- **Hu** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hu)
- **hv** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hv)
- **how** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-how)
- **hot** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hot)
- **hop** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hop)
- **huh** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-huh)
- **hug** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hug)
- **hub** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hub)
- **hon** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hon)
- **hut** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hut)
- **hum** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hum)
- **hog** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hog)
- **hue** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hue)
- **hoo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hoo)
- **hun** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hun)
- **HUD** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hud)
- **hwy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/hob-vs-hwy)

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/hob