\ ˈtab
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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
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
c
: cost
the tab for the new program
tab
verb
tabbed;
tabbing
Definition of tab (Entry 2 of 2)
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Synonyms for tab
Synonyms: Noun
account, bill, check, invoice, statement
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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 The tab on the zipper is broken. He ran up a $200 bar tab. He put the drinks on his tab.Verb
After you type your name in the first box, you can move to the next box by tabbing.
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 The Chamber of Commerce and the Coal Association have picked up the tab for a growing number of state officials to attend events at The Greenbrier. — Ken Ward Jr., ProPublica, "Welcome to the Greenbrier, the Governor-Owned Luxury Resort Filled With Conflicts of Interest," 15 Aug. 2019 Frey said later that night, the Inn Season picked up the dinner tab for the man and his girlfriend. — Ann Zaniewski, USA TODAY, "A black man was looking for parking. A white woman felt threatened and called the cops," 15 Aug. 2019 Modern Acupuncture, a clinic at 1620 West FM 646 in League City, is picking up the tab for the first treatment for military veterans and first responders. — Tyler Johnson, Houston Chronicle, "League City clinic offers free acupuncture session for vets, first responders," 12 Aug. 2019 Haymakers picks up the tab for four months of training. — Alan Neuhauser, Washington Post, "‘A shift that’s happening in D.C.’: Wealth is transforming philanthropy, but some are missing out," 7 Aug. 2019 This is where Venmo comes in handy: one person can pick up the tab, and each person can send their specific cost overall (with tax and tip included, of course) to whoever paid. — Maggie Maloney, Town & Country, "Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Venmo Etiquette," 11 July 2019 For them, there’s no reason for the government to pick up the tab. — Robert Gebelhoff, Twin Cities, "Robert Gebelhoff: Yes, I want to pay off my student loans," 30 June 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Jackson tweeted on Thursday that he was tabbed by the NFL to take a drug test despite no plans to appear on the field in 2019. — Michael Shapiro, SI.com, "Steven Jackson Asked to Take Drug Test for One-Day Contract With Rams," 2 Aug. 2019 The vast majority of baseball executives would have tabbed Bart after the Tigers chose pitcher Casey Mize with the No. — Kerry Crowley, The Mercury News, "Two ousted Giants executives created more trade deadline flexibility," 30 July 2019 The Bulls were tabbed by the media to finish third in the AAC’s East Division behind back-to-back champions UCF and Cincinnati. — Matt Murschel, orlandosentinel.com, "USF TE Mitchell Wilcox excited to return, help lead Bulls’ explosive offense," 23 July 2019 Conley has been a true professional throughout his NBA career, and like Gasol was well aware that the Grindhouse Era in Memphis (tabbed by former Celtic Tony Allen) was over. — Gary Washburn, BostonGlobe.com, "Kyrie Irving getting more blame than he deserves for Celtics’ disappointing season," 29 June 2019 So, when King made typical freshman mistakes last year, like being late or slacking in class, UIW coach Eric Morris tabbed him for 5 a.m. workouts with strength and conditioning coach Bret Huth. — Greg Luca, ExpressNews.com, "Ameer King matures, steps into No. 1 role for UIW offense," 21 Aug. 2019 The coaches tabbed defending champion New Hampshire as the preseason favorite with 47 points and five of eight first-place selections. — Baltimore Sun Staff, baltimoresun.com, "Bayhawks hire Chris Burdick as new defensive coordinator," 13 Aug. 2019 For this new campaign, Coach tabs longtime faces of the brand, Michael B Jordan and Kiko Mizuhara. — James Love, Essence, "Michael B. Jordan and Yara Shahidi Star in Coach’s New Fall/Winter 2019 Campaign," 25 July 2019 Media members tabbed two-time defending conference champion UCF to win the East and Memphis to take the West, just ahead of Houston. — Alex Putterman, courant.com, "UConn picked to finish last in preseason AAC football poll, plus other media day notes," 16 July 2019These 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
verbEnglish 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