Meaning

(obsolete) A toast made while touching glasses together..

Definitions by Sense

1. (obsolete) A toast made while touching glasses together.
2. A drinking together.
3. An informal chat.
4. (intransitive) To drink together.
5. (intransitive, often derogatory) To associate with in a friendly manner, often with those of a higher class or status; to fraternize.
6. (intransitive, obsolete, rare) To have or have not; to give or take.
7. (intransitive, obsolete) To toast one another by touching glasses.
8. On friendly terms; in friendly association.

Example Sentences

With a hob-nob, and a merry go-round, / We'll pull in ere reason fail; / For the stoutest man in the kingdom found, / Must knock under to humming ale.

A prologue of cherry bounce,—brandy,—preceded the entertainment, which was enlivened by hob-nobs and joyous toasts.

The three friends had a hobnob outside the bar.

The American people are largely under the influence of animal magnetism. Whether they are drawn to the levée of a Tom Thumb or to a hobnob with the Russians, the safety-valves of their joyous feelings are sure to be opened when the Stars and Stripes flaunt over their churches, public buildings, and private dwellings.

[T]he musical and dramatic critiques in our daily papers are dishonest, shameful, utterly unworthy, and a scandal to journalism and Ireland! Praise is lavishly dispensed because the system pays, […] 'A full house' on Saturday will procure a longer advertisement on Monday morning, another 'free pass' all round, and a hobnob perhaps with Signor, Senora, Herr Bugle, Madame, or Madamoiselle.

Many a glass of wine have we all of us drank, I have very little doubt, hob-and-nobbing with the hospitable giver, and wondering how the deuce he paid for it.

When the dinner was a little forward, and time for wine came, the Emperor fills his own cup—fills the Empress's—fills St. Martin [of Tours]'s,—affectionately hobnobs with St. Martin. […] St. Martin looks round, first, deliberately;—becomes aware of a tatterdemalion and thirsty-looking soul of a beggar at his chair side, who has managed to get his cup filled somehow, also—by a charitable lacquey. St. Martin turns his back on the Empress, and hobnobs with him!

The ambitious young student hobnobbed with the faculty at the prestigious college he hoped to attend.

Word Forms

• hobnobs
• hobnobbing
• hobnobbed
• hob-and-nob
• hob-nob

Synonyms for hob nob

Related Words

When Should You Use Hob nob?

Use hob nob when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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