tab
1a small flap, strap, loop, or similar appendage, as on a garment, used for pulling, hanging, or decoration.
a tag or label.
a small projection from a card, paper, or folder, used as an aid in filing.
Informal.
a bill, as for a meal in a restaurant; check: That dinner went way over my budget, so I was relieved when she offered to pick up the tab.
a list of accruing costs, as drinks ordered in a bar: Go ahead and order another round of beers—we’ve got a running tab.
a small piece attached or intended to be attached, as to an automobile license plate.
a small flap or tongue of material used to seal or close the opening of a container.
Also called tabulator, tab key . a key on a typewriter that moves the carriage, typing element, etc., a predetermined number of spaces, used for typing text in columns, for fixed indentations, etc.
Also called tab key . a key on a computer keyboard that moves the cursor a predetermined number of spaces, used for keying text in columns or form fields, for fixed indentations, etc.
Digital Technology.
(in a web browser window or in a spreadsheet or other application) a page displayed by clicking on or selecting a user interface element that resembles a paper tab:The third tab in the spreadsheet list expenses.
the display of this user interface element:I have too many tabs open in my browser right now.
Theater.
a small, often narrow, drop curtain, for masking part of the stage.
Aeronautics. a small airfoil hinged to the rear portion of a control surface, as to an elevator, aileron, or rudder.: Compare trim tab.
to furnish or ornament with a tab or tabs.
to name or designate.
to operate the tab function on a typewriter or computer.
Idioms about tab
keep tabs / tab on, Informal. to keep an account of; check on; observe: The police kept tabs on the suspect's activities.
Origin of tab
1Other definitions for tab (2 of 3)
Slang. a tablet, as of a drug or medication.
Informal. tabloid (def. 1).
Origin of tab
2Other definitions for tab. (3 of 3)
tables.
(in prescriptions) tablet.
Origin of tab.
3Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for tab (1 of 4)
/ (tæb) /
a small flap of material, esp one on a garment for decoration or for fastening to a button
any similar flap, such as a piece of paper attached to a file for identification
a small auxiliary aerofoil on the trailing edge of a rudder, aileron, or elevator, etc, to assist in the control of the aircraft in flight: See also trim tab
British military the insignia on the collar of a staff officer
mainly US and Canadian a bill, esp one for a meal or drinks
Scot and Northern English dialect a cigarette
keep tabs on informal to keep a watchful eye on
(tr) to supply (files, clothing, etc) with a tab or tabs
Origin of tab
1British Dictionary definitions for tab (2 of 4)
/ (tæb) /
British Dictionary definitions for TAB (3 of 4)
typhoid-paratyphoid A and B (vaccine)
Australian and NZ Totalizator Agency Board
British Dictionary definitions for tab. (4 of 4)
table (list or chart)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with tab
see keep tabs on.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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