Pronunciation: [kˈɒb] (IPA) 
The word "cob" is spelled with the letters C-O-B. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /kɑb/. The letter "c" represents the sound "k", the letter "o" is pronounced as "aw," and the letter "b" is pronounced as "b." This word has multiple meanings, such as a rounded mass of something or a male swan. Correct spelling is essential to avoid confusion and miscommunication, especially in written communication.
Cob is a noun that has multiple definitions. It can refer to a round, lumpish object or mass, such as a small, hard lump of something, like coal or metal. Additionally, it can describe a type of building material. In this context, cob is a mixture of clay, sand, and straw that is used to construct walls, typically in a rounded or curved form.
Cob can also be a term used to describe a male swan, specifically an adult male mute swan. It is known for its distinctive curved neck and snowy white plumage.
Cob is further used to define a type of small, strong, and sturdy horse, typically about 13 to 14 hands high (a measurement unit for horses, equivalent to approximately 4 feet) with a heavy build. Cobs are often associated with the British Isles and are prized for their versatility as riding or driving horses.
In some colloquial contexts, cob can be used as a slang term to refer to a head or, more specifically, the top part of the head. It is often used in phrases like "knock someone's cob off" to convey the action of hitting or striking someone on the head.
Overall, the word cob encompasses various meanings, ranging from physical objects and building materials to avian species and equine breeds. Understanding the intended context is crucial to grasp the correct definition.
• To strike
• To punish.
• The top or head; anything in round lumps; a strong pony; a foreign coin; clay mixed with straw.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "cob" has multiple etymological origins, depending on the context in which it is used:
1. Cob (horse): The term "cob" originally comes from the Old English word "coppe" or "cobbe", which referred to a large, stocky type of horse. This Old English word may have derived from the Middle Dutch word "cobbe", meaning "big, stout", or possibly from an Old Norse word "koppa", meaning a "head" or "boss".
2. Cob (corn): In relation to corn, "cob" comes from the Old English word "coppe", which meant "top" or "head". It referred specifically to the rounded head or top of a standing ear of corn.
