tab

noun, often attributive

\ ˈtab

Definition of tab

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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

c : appendage, extension especially : one of a series of small pendants forming a decorative border or edge of a garment

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

2 [ partly short for ¹table; partly from sense 1 ]

a : close surveillance : watch keep tabs on trends

b : a creditor's statement : bill, check

c : cost the tab for the new program

3 [ short for tabulator ] : a key on a keyboard that indents text by a preset amount

4 [ by shortening ]

a : tablet

b : tabloid

tab

verb

tabbed; tabbing

Definition of tab (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to furnish or ornament with tabs

2 : to single out : designate

3 : tabulate

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about tab

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Examples of tab in a Sentence

Noun

Insert the tab into this slot to close the box. a notebook with index tabs

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

That’s important because the funding model for Hopkins requires the airlines to pick up the tab for costs beyond what the airport’s revenue cover. — Robert Higgs, cleveland.com, "Average air fares at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport a better deal than fares at region’s other airports, federal data shows," 16 Aug. 2019 Frey said later that night, the Inn Season picked up the dinner tab for the man and his girlfriend. — Ann Zaniewski, Detroit Free Press, "Witness: Royal Oak police handled encounter with black man 'inappropriately'," 15 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tab.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for tab

tab

noun

English Language Learners Definition of tab

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a small, flat piece on a box, envelope, etc., that can be put into a hole in order to hold two parts together

: 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

US : a small piece of metal, plastic, etc., that is pulled in order to open or close something

tab

verb

English Language Learners Definition of tab (Entry 2 of 2)

: to put a small, identifying label (called a tab) on something

US, informal : to say that (someone or something) will do something or have a particular role or purpose

: to hit the tab key on a computer or typewriter

See the full definition for tab in the English Language Learners Dictionary

tab

Definition of tab

Synonyms for tab

Examples of tab in a Sentence

First Known Use of tab

History and Etymology for tab

English Language Learners Definition of tab

tab

Definition of tab

Synonyms for tab

Examples of tab in a Sentence

First Known Use of tab

History and Etymology for tab

English Language Learners Definition of tab

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