lob

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈläb How to pronounce lob (audio)
Synonyms of lobnext
dialectal British
: a dull heavy person : lout

lob

2 of 4

verb

lobbed; lobbing

transitive verb

1
: to let hang heavily : droop
2
: to throw, hit, or propel easily or in a high arc
3
: to direct (something, such as a question or comment) so as to elicit a response

intransitive verb

1
a
: to move slowly and heavily
b
: to move in an arc
2
: to hit a tennis ball easily in a high arc

lob

3 of 4

noun (2)

: a soft high-arching shot, throw, or kick

lob-

4 of 4

combining form

variants or lobo-
: lobe
lobar
lobotomy

Synonyms of lob

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Verb

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Examples of lob in a Sentence

Verb She lobbed a throw to the pitcher. The soldier lobbed a grenade into the bunker. He lobbed the ball over his opponent's head.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Young had seven points and five assists in the quarter, including a lob to Alex Sarr for a jam that gave the Wizards a 97-80 lead with 34 seconds remaining. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 In the arena, that means throwing lobs that bring a smile to everyone’s face. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
The leading character in the political brouhaha over the tax is Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google and one of the richest men in the world, who has lobbed more than $100 million into the opposition campaign from an out-of-state perch. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 Prince Harry risks 'lobbing a grenade' at Prince William as chance to heal years-long feud emerges. — FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lob

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

probably of Low German origin; akin to Low German lubbe coarse person

Verb

lob a loosely hanging object

Combining form

lobe

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1533, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (2)

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lob was in 1533

Rhymes for lob

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Browse Nearby Words

loaves and fishes
lob
lob-
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lob. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lob

1 of 2 verb
ˈläb How to pronounce lob (audio)
lobbed; lobbing
: to send (as a ball) in a high arc by hitting or throwing easily

lob

2 of 2 noun
: a lobbed throw or shot (as in tennis)

More from Merriam-Webster on lob

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lob

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