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

The regiment paid homage to the princess by giving three cheers in her name at the event instead, and Kate reportedly paid the bar tab for their post-parade celebrations in Aldershot after. —Janine Henni, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025

Newsom’s budget officials point out that shifting the cost of some general fund projects to bond financing won’t increase the total tab for interest because $10 billion will be borrowed regardless. ‘Backfilling’ bonds But the $10 billion won’t buy as much as originally anticipated. —George Skelton, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025

Verb

The former Cy Young winner dominated in Japan two years ago and recently was tabbed the best pitcher in the Mexican League. —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025

In the two games leading up to Thursday’s deadline, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau tabbed Ariel Hukporti — the rookie selected with the 58th and final pick in June’s NBA Draft — to play backup minutes at the five over Sims. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for tab

• ab
• cab
• crab
• dab
• drab
• fab
• gab
• grab
• jab
• lab
• mab
• nab

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