26984 words

tab

17 definitions • 20 examples
1
a small piece of paper, metal, etc. that is attached to something larger and is used for giving information, fastening, opening, etc.:

Examples:

Make a file folder for these documents and write "finance" on the tab.
Insert Tab A into Slot A and glue, before standing the model upright.
2
the small piece of metal, often joined to a ring, that is pulled off or pushed into the top of a can (= metal drink container) to open it:

Examples:

We pulled the tabs on the beer, and toasted the gods of travel.
The tabs from soda cans often end up as litter.
3
5
a small symbol on a computer screen or website that allows you to open different documents or pages:

Examples:

Move between pages by clicking on the tabs at the top of the screen.
6
a fixed position on a line of text that can be reached by pressing the tab key on a keyboard
7
the total money charged in a restaurant or hotel for food, drinks, etc.:

Examples:

He kindly offered to pick up the tab (= pay).
8
a small piece of material on a box, can, or container that is pulled to open it
9
A tab is also a small piece of paper or plastic attached to a paper or file so it can be found easily.
10
an amount charged for a service or for a meal in a restaurant:

Examples:

He offered to pick up the tab for lunch (= pay for it).
11
a small piece of paper, metal, or cloth that is attached to the edge of something:

Examples:

The metal tabs at one end are where the wires fasten.
12
a small symbol on a website that gives you information about the different pages you can open on that website:

Examples:

Move between pages by clicking on the tabs at the top of the screen.
13
a fixed position on a line of text that you are writing on a computer, etc. that can be reached by pressing the tab key
14
the amount of money that is charged for something:

Examples:

The committee will reimburse the state $70,000 of the $105,000 tab for a recent trade mission to Ireland.
The tab to clean up the mess caused by the oil spill has already hit $9 million.
pick up the tab (for sth) The state picks up the health care tab for many low-income clients.
pay the tab (for sth) Pharmaceutical companies pay most of the tab for the trials.
15
a record of what you have ordered or used but not yet paid for, especially in a bar or restaurant:

Examples:

put sth on the/your tab Just put it on the tab, please.
on sb's tab I ordered drinks for everyone, even though this was all going on my tab.
They were put up in hotels on the state's tab.
16
to think or say that someone or something should have a particular job or use:

Examples:

tab sb to do sth He was tabbed to restore glory and dignity to USA Basketball.
tab sb as sth The CEO unofficially tabbed him as his successor.
tab sb/sth for sth She was tabbed for a seat on the Board.
17
to put tabs on something:

Examples:

tab sth with sth There was a stack of mail-order catalogues tabbed with sticky labels.

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