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Hob Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hob

[hÉ’b ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

household

A small shelf, table, or cupboard used for storing items in a kitchen.

Synonyms

burner, cooktop, stovetop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hob

Used primarily in British English to refer to the flat top part of a stove that contains heating elements or burners. Commonly used in homes and kitchens.

  • Place the pan on the hob and turn on the heat.
  • The electric hob is easy to clean.
stovetop

Commonly used in American English to refer to the cooking surface on top of a stove. It encompasses the burners and any other heating elements.

  • I left a pot on the stovetop.
  • Clean the stovetop regularly to prevent food build-up.
cooktop

An American English term used to describe the flat surface on which cooking is done, especially in modern kitchens with built-in cooking surfaces.

  • We installed a new induction cooktop last week.
  • The cooktop has four burners.
burner

Refers to any device that creates a flame or heat for cooking. It can be found on stoves and portable camping equipment. Common in both American and British English.

  • Turn off the burner when you're done cooking.
  • The gas burner heats up quickly.

Examples of usage

  • She placed the spices on the hob while cooking.
  • The kettle sat on the hob, ready to boil water.
Context #2 | Noun

British

The flat metal top of a cooker, on which pans are placed for cooking.

Synonyms

cooktop, range, stove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hob

This term is commonly used in British English to refer to a cooking surface that is part of a larger cooking appliance. It usually has multiple burners or electric heating elements.

  • She placed the pot on the hob to start boiling water.
  • The new kitchen has a sleek, modern hob with touch controls.
stove

This word is broadly used in both American and British English to describe a kitchen appliance that typically consists of an oven and a cooktop. It can also refer to any appliance designed to generate heat for cooking or heating a room.

  • She baked the cake in the oven while cooking pasta on the stove.
  • They installed a wood-burning stove in the cabin to stay warm.
range

In American English, 'range' refers to a combination of an oven and a cooktop in a single appliance. It is often used in general contexts to describe the main cooking appliance in a kitchen.

  • They bought a new stainless steel range for their home.
  • The range includes both a gas oven and a gas cooktop.
cooktop

This term is more frequently used in American English and refers to a flat cooking surface with burners. It can be part of a range or a separate built-in feature.

  • The kitchen renovation included installing a new gas cooktop.
  • An induction cooktop is energy-efficient and easy to clean.

Examples of usage

  • She boiled water on the hob.
  • The saucepan rattled on the hob as it heated up.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'hob'

The word 'hob' originated from Middle English 'hobbe' which meant a shelf or table. Over time, it evolved to refer to a small shelf or tabletop used for storage in a kitchen. In British English, 'hob' also refers to the flat metal top of a cooker used for cooking. The word has been in use for centuries and is commonly used in kitchen terminology.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,107, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.