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
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 (such 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
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
c
: cost
the tab for the new program
3
[short for tabulator]
: a key on a keyboard that indents text by a preset amount
tabbed; tabbing
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
Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
The denim purveyor said in its complaint that the tab trademark has come to be known as a concrete signal that consumers are buying an authentic Levi’s product and argued that extraneous uses of that trademark could dilute or harm its own brand.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 2025
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
Right now, the Browns have tabbed Flacco, the veteran, as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season.
—Matt Wadleigh, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tab
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
The single panels have two hanging options, including a 3-inch rod pocket or back tabs that can hold curtain rings.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
The denim purveyor said in its complaint that the tab trademark has come to be known as a concrete signal that consumers are buying an authentic Levi’s product and argued that extraneous uses of that trademark could dilute or harm its own brand.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
Mauigoa has been tabbed a preseason All-American by multiple outlets and is viewed as one of the top offensive line prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
Right now, the Browns have tabbed Flacco, the veteran, as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season.
—Matt Wadleigh, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tab
Cite this Entry
“Tab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tab. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tab
1 of 2 noun1
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
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share