tab

¹tab

noun, often attributive \ˈtab\

Definition of TAB

1

a : a short projecting device: 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 (as a trailing edge) to help stabilize an airplane in flight — see airplane illustration

2

[partly short for ¹table; 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

[by shortening]

a : tabloid

b : tablet

4

[short for tabulator] : a key on a keyboard especially for arranging data in columns

Examples of TAB

1. Insert the tab into this slot to close the box.
2. a notebook with index tabs
3. The tab on the zipper is broken.
4. He ran up a $200 bar tab.
5. He put the drinks on his tab.

Origin of TAB

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1607

Related to TAB

Synonyms

account, check, invoice, statement, ¹bill

Related Words

receipt, reckoning; document, ledger, record; charge, cost, expense, fee, price, rate, toll; score, tally

Rhymes with TAB

ab, blab, cab, crab, Crabbe, dab, drab, fab, flab, gab, grab, jab, lab, Lab, Mab, nab, scab, slab, stab

²tab

transitive verb

tabbedtab·bing

Definition of TAB

1

: to furnish or ornament with tabs

2

: to single out : designate

3

: tabulate

Examples of TAB

1. After you type your name in the first box, you can move to the next box by tabbing.

First Known Use of TAB

1872

tab

noun \ˈtab\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of TAB

: tablet