tab

1 of 2

noun

ˈtab 

often attributive

1

a

: a short projecting device: such as

(1)

: a small flap or loop by which something may be grasped or pulled

(2)

: a projection from a card used as an aid in filing

b

: a small insert, addition, or remnant

c

: appendage, extension

especially : one of a series of small pendants forming a decorative border or edge of a garment

d

: a small auxiliary airfoil hinged to a control surface (such as a trailing edge) to help stabilize an airplane in flight see airplane illustration

2

[partly short for table entry 1; partly from sense 1]

a

: close surveillance : watch

keep tabs on trends

b

: a creditor's statement : bill, check

c

: cost

the tab for the new program

3

[short for tabulator] : a key on a keyboard that indents text by a preset amount

4

[by shortening]

a

: tablet

b

: tabloid

tab

2 of 2

verb

tabbed; tabbing

transitive verb

1

: to furnish or ornament with tabs

2

: to single out : designate

3

: tabulate

Synonyms

Noun

• account
• bill
• check
• invoice
• statement

Examples of tab in a Sentence

Noun

Insert the tab into this slot to close the box.

a notebook with index tabs

The tab on the zipper is broken.

He ran up a $200 bar tab.

He put the drinks on his tab.

Verb

After you type your name in the first box, you can move to the next box by tabbing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

That panel, along with the side panels, is secured with ball snaps at the top and tabs at the bottom. —PCMAG, 25 May 2024

Heisenberg ignored the mystifying dynamical events in the middle, and instead kept tabs only on the initial and final particles. —Quanta Magazine, 23 May 2024

Verb

The Football Writers Association of America named Moore a first-team All-American in 2010, and the Touchdown Club of Columbus tabbed him as the nation’s top quarterback in both 2010 and 2011, ultimately naming the award after him. —Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 3 June 2024

That would be Lamar Skeeter, the first person Lee tabbed to be part of the Hornets new staff. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tab

• pick up the tab
• pick up the tab/bill/check
• pull tab
• tab key

Kids Definition

tab

1 of 2 noun

ˈtab 

1

a

: a short flap or tag used as an aid in filing, pulling, or hanging

b

: something inserted

2

a

: close watch

keep tabs on fashion trends

b

: bill entry 3 sense 2, check

3

: a key on a keyboard especially for arranging information in columns

tab

2 of 2 verb

tabbed; tabbing

1

: to furnish or ornament with tabs

2

: to select or name for a special purpose : designate

tabbed as the team's next captain

3

: to hit the tab key on a keyboard

Medical Definition

tab

noun

ˈtab 

: tablet