noun Common

tab

Tab (noun) means a small flap or strip attached to something, used for holding, opening, or labeling it. Example: “Pull the tab to open the can.”

noun

A small flap or strip attached to something, used for holding, opening, or labeling it.

"Pull the tab to open the can."

A clickable panel in a web browser or app that lets you switch between open documents or views.

"She had over twenty browser tabs open at once."

A running bill or credit account, especially at a bar or restaurant.

"He asked the bartender to start a tab."

The key on a keyboard that moves the cursor or focus to the next stop, or the character it inserts.

"Press tab to jump to the next field in the form."

verb

To press the tab key to move the cursor or input focus forward.

"Just tab between the fields instead of clicking each one."

How to Use Tab

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small flap, a browser panel, a running bill, or the keyboard key — the meaning depends heavily on context.

Common pairings

open a tab run a tab browser tab pick up the tab

Word Forms

tabbed past tense, tabbed past tense, tabs plural, tabs plural, tabs plural, tabs plural, tabs plural, tabs plural, tabs plural, tabs plural, Tabs plural, tabs singular, tabs singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Pull the _____ to open the can.

Etymology

First recorded in 1607; the origin of the word is uncertain.

· First attested 1607

Class of 1607 tab joined the language around 1607.

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Synonyms

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flap strip tag label marker bill

Related Words

name hit term title bill charge card brand

Rhymes for tab

stab

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “tab” mean?

The word “tab” means a small flap or strip attached to something, used for holding, opening, or labeling it. In plain terms, a small flap, a browser panel, a running bill, or the keyboard key — the meaning depends heavily on context.

How do you pronounce “tab”?

“Tab” is pronounced tab (/tæb/ in IPA).

How do you use “tab” in a sentence?

Here is “tab” used in a sentence: “Pull the tab to open the can.”

What part of speech is “tab”?

Depending on how it is used, “tab” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “tab” come from?

The word “tab” dates back to around 1607. First recorded in 1607; the origin of the word is uncertain.

Is “tab” a common word?

“Tab” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “tab” have?

“Tab” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small flap or strip attached to something, used for holding, opening, or labeling it.

What is the difference between a 'tab' and a 'window' in a web browser?

A browser window is a separate frame on your screen, while tabs are the switchable panels inside a single window, each holding a different page. Tabs let you keep several pages open together and click between them without opening extra windows. Closing a window closes all the tabs it contains.

What does the Tab key do on a keyboard?

The Tab key moves the cursor or focus to the next stop, such as the next field in a form or a set point along a line of text. In word processors it inserts a tab character that jumps to the next tab stop. It is widely used to indent text and to move quickly between form fields.

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