tab
tab Lexical Profile
tab Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A selectable graphical interface element in a web browser or software application that allows multiple documents or pages to be open within a single window.
"He had over twenty browser tabs open while researching sources for his history essay."
A small flap, strip, or loop of material attached to an object, such as a garment, folder, or beverage can, used for grasping, pulling, fastening, or labeling.
"She organized the filing cabinet by attaching color-coded plastic tabs to the top of each folder."
North American A running bill or account of charges, especially for food and drinks at a restaurant or bar.
"The host generously offered to pick up the entire tab for the dinner party."
A key on a computer or typewriter keyboard used to advance the cursor to a preset horizontal position or to navigate between fields on a screen.
"Press the tab key to indent the first line of each new paragraph."
An informal shortening of tablet, referring to a small, solid dose of medicine or a dose of an illicit drug such as LSD.
"The pharmacist instructed him to dissolve one antacid tab in a glass of water."
• verb
To furnish, mark, or ornament with a projecting flap, strip, or label for easy identification.
"The paralegal tabbed the relevant pages of the contract before handing the binder to the attorney."
To move the cursor across a digital screen or advance between data fields using the tabulator key.
"You can quickly tab through the form fields instead of clicking each box with the mouse."
North American To name, designate, or select someone for a specific role, position, or honor.
"The committee tabbed the veteran coach to lead the national team in the upcoming tournament."
• Rhymes for tab
Word Origin & Etymology
The primary sense of a small flap or loop emerged in the early 17th century, likely of dialectal or expressive origin, while the computing and keyboard senses are 20th-century shortenings of 'tabulator' and 'tabulate' (from Latin 'tabula', meaning board or list).