plural tabs
1
a
: a small, flat piece on a box, envelope, etc., that can be put into a hole in order to hold two parts together
Insert the tab into this slot to close the box.
b
: a small, flat piece that sticks out from the edge of something (such as a folder) and allows you to identify and find it easily
a notebook with index tabs
c
US
: a small piece of metal, plastic, etc., that is pulled in order to open or close something
The tab on the zipper is broken.
the tab [=(US) pull tab, (Brit) ring pull] on a can of soda
2
US, informal
: a record of the things (such as drinks at a bar) that a customer has ordered and will pay for later
He ran up a $200 bar tab.
The final tab [=bill] came to $200.
He put the drinks on his tab.
She offered to pick up the tab. [=pay the bill] for the meal.
3
: tab key
You can move to the next column in a table by pressing tab. [=by pressing the tab key]
4
informal
: a small pill of an illegal drug
a tab of Ecstasy
tabs; tabbed; tabbing
1
: to put a small, identifying label (called a tab) on something
—often used as (be) tabbed
a tabbed notebook [=a notebook with index tabs]
2
US, informal
: to say that (someone or something) will do something or have a particular role or purpose
—often used as (be) tabbed
She was tabbed (as) the favorite to win.
an amount of money tabbed for maintenance
3
: to hit the tab key on a computer or typewriter
After you type your name in the first box, you can move to the next box by tabbing.
Cite this Entry
“Tab.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/tab. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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