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

e

: a design element of a software interface (as for a browser or spreadsheet) that creates different working areas that can be displayed or edited individually

One striking difference in Chrome is how it handles tabs, which display a single Web page.

—Walter S. Mossberg

also : the graphic representation of a tab (see sense 1a(2)) that identifies each such separate working area

Double-click on the tab to rename the spreadsheet.

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 of tab

Noun

• bill
• account
• statement
• document
• rate
• check

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

For many families, financial aid is increasingly essential to paying the tab. — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

On top of being a roomy bag, Pitt’s $5,590 weekender came with plenty of pockets, including two large flap pockets with buckled straps on one side, with double tabs securing the handles above. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Verb

The nonpartisan skepticism extends to the question of who benefited most from the overhaul, with 79% of Democrats, 74% of independents and 57% of Republicans tabbing insurers rather than consumers as the victors. — Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

Schlittler, who dominated Boston in last year’s Wild Card series, would be on regular rest if tabbed for Game 1. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1891, 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