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pull tab

American  

noun

  1. a metal tab or ring that is pulled to uncover the precut opening in a can or other container.


Etymology

Origin of pull tab

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

One character, for reasons you’ll observe, wordlessly switches from soup cans that require them to use a can opener to ones with a pull tab.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 7, 2025

For example, the post received $144,000 in pull tab sales in 2021, but less than half of that made it into the VFW’s gambling account.

From Seattle Times Feb. 24, 2023

The Roomba j7 has a polished look, and its Clean Base has a more contemporary design, with a ribbed, matte black plastic, and a faux leather pull tab for accessing the bin.

From The Verge Jan. 17, 2022

This means that Tetra Pak is looking at such options as new pull tab designs instead of straws, as well as being sure to encourage recycling of its products.

From Washington Post Sep. 11, 2018

“They’re like the pull tab on a zipper, merging the two tribes into one family.”

From The Guardian Jun. 17, 2017

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