What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nubby
Example
The nubby texture of the sweater made it cozy and warm. [nubby: adjective]
Example
She ran her hand over the nubby surface of the carpet. [nubby: noun]
knobby
Example
The knobby tires on the bike provided excellent traction on the dirt path. [knobby: adjective]
Example
He felt the knobby surface of the tree bark with his fingertips. [knobby: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nubby and knobby are both relatively uncommon words and may not be encountered frequently in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nubby and knobby?
Both nubby and knobby are informal words and are unlikely to be used in formal contexts.
