noun

tab

noun

A small flap or strip attached to something, used for holding, opening, or labeling it.

"Pull the tab to open the can."

A clickable panel in a web browser or app that lets you switch between open documents or views.

"She had over twenty browser tabs open at once."

A running bill or credit account, especially at a bar or restaurant.

"He asked the bartender to start a tab."

The key on a keyboard that moves the cursor or focus to the next stop, or the character it inserts.

"Press tab to jump to the next field in the form."

verb

To press the tab key to move the cursor or input focus forward.

"Just tab between the fields instead of clicking each one."

How to Use Tab

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small flap, a browser panel, a running bill, or the keyboard key — the meaning depends heavily on context.

Common pairings

open a tab run a tab browser tab pick up the tab

Word Forms

tabbed past tense, tabbed past tense, tabs plural, tabs plural, tabs plural, tabs plural, tabs plural, tabs plural, tabs plural, tabs plural, Tabs plural, tabs singular, tabs singular

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Pull the _____ to open the can.

Etymology

First recorded in 1607; the origin of the word is uncertain.

Rhymes for tab

stab

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