cabinet
cabinet Lexical Profile
cabinet Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A piece of furniture with shelves, drawers, or compartments, used for storing or displaying items.
"She carefully arranged the antique porcelain teacups inside the glass display cabinet."
A body of high-ranking state officials, typically consisting of the top leaders of the executive branch, responsible for advising the head of government.
"The Prime Minister held an emergency meeting with her cabinet to discuss the sudden economic crisis."
A small, private room used for reading, study, or confidential meetings.
"The king withdrew to his private cabinet to review the sensitive diplomatic dispatches away from the crowded court."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to a government's executive advisory body, 'Cabinet' is often capitalized, whereas the physical piece of furniture is kept lowercase.
• Rhymes for cabinet
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle French 'cabinet' (a small room), a diminutive of 'cabine' (cabin). The political meaning arose in the 17th century because royal advisors would meet privately in a small room (a cabinet) rather than the main council chamber.