noun
Common
tab
tab
Tab (noun) means a small flap or strip attached to something, used for holding, opening, or labeling it. Example: “Each folder had a coloured tab with the month written on it.”
noun
1
A small flap or strip attached to something, used for holding, opening, or labeling it.
"Each folder had a coloured tab with the month written on it."
"He slid his nail under the tab and peeled back the lid."
"Pull the tab to open the can."
2
A clickable panel in a web browser or app that lets you switch between open documents or views.
"Open the link in a new tab so you don't lose your place."
"I accidentally closed the tab before saving my work."
"She had over twenty browser tabs open at once."
3
A running bill or credit account, especially at a bar or restaurant.
"Please put the drinks on my tab and I'll settle up later."
"By midnight their tab had grown longer than anyone expected."
"He asked the bartender to start a tab."
4
The key on a keyboard that moves the cursor or focus to the next stop, or the character it inserts.
"On most keyboards the tab key sits above the caps lock key."
"Hit tab twice to indent the line of code."
"Press tab to jump to the next field in the form."
verb
1
To press the tab key to move the cursor or input focus forward.
"You can tab to the next box without touching the mouse."
"She tabbed through the menu until the right button was highlighted."
"Just tab between the fields instead of clicking each one."
How to use tab
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- tabs
- Third person singular
- tabs
- Past tense
- tabbed
Fill the gap
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Each folder had a coloured _____ with the month written on it.
Etymology
First recorded in 1607; the origin of the word is uncertain.
Class of 1607
tab joined the language around 1607.
See the full Class of 1607 →
Related words
Rhymes for tab
See all rhymes for 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.
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