tab
12 synonyms for tab, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small flap or strip attached to something, used for holding, opening, or labeling it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use tab
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
open a tab
run a tab
browser tab
pick up the tab
Etymology
First recorded in 1607; the origin of the word is uncertain.
Full origin of tab →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.
