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

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with TAB

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