Tab

/tæb/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A small flap or strip of material attached to something, typically used for assistance in handling or identification.

I pulled the tab on the cereal box to open it.

A label or marker that indicates a specific section or category in an organized system.

She used a colored tab to mark the important pages in her binder.

A bill or account that one needs to settle, often in a social setting.

Can you add my drink to the tab we opened at the bar?

verb

To set a tab on an account for later payment.

I decided to tab my drinks while out with friends.

To touch or strike lightly with a finger or an object.

He tabbed the screen to unlock his phone.

Middle English, from Old English 'tab(b)', possibly related to 'tabula', meaning a tablet or board.

run up a tab

To accumulate charges on a bill that will be paid later.

tab it

To keep a record of someone's charges or expenses.

tabbed browsing

Using multiple tabs in a web browser to visit different web pages.

label

A piece of paper, plastic, or other material that provides information about an item.

ticket

A piece of paper or electronic document that indicates the entitlement to enter a place or to travel.

bill

A statement of money owed for goods or services.

Running up a tab at a bar or restaurant.

I was feeling generous and decided to tab it for my friends at dinner.

To keep track of charges or expenses informally.

Just tab it, and we'll sort it out later.