tab
1[ tab ]
/ tæb /
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noun
verb (used with object), tabbed, tab·bing.
to furnish or ornament with a tab or tabs.
to name or designate.
verb (used without object), tabbed, tab·bing.
to operate the tab function on a typewriter or computer.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON PARENTHESES AND BRACKETS APLENTY!
Set some time apart to test your bracket symbol knowledge, and see if you can keep your parentheses, squares, curlies, and angles all straight!
Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Idioms for tab
keep tabs / tab on, Informal. to keep an account of; check on; observe: The police kept tabs on the suspect's activities.
Definition for tab (2 of 3)
Origin of tab
2By shortening
Definition for tab (3 of 3)
tab.
abbreviation
tables.
(in prescriptions) tablet.
Origin of tab.
From the Latin word tabella
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for tab
British Dictionary definitions for tab (1 of 4)
tab1
/ (tæb) /
noun
verb tabs, tabbing or tabbed
(tr) to supply (files, clothing, etc) with a tab or tabs
Word Origin for tab
C17: of unknown origin
British Dictionary definitions for tab (2 of 4)
British Dictionary definitions for tab (3 of 4)
TAB
abbreviation for
typhoid-paratyphoid A and B (vaccine)
Australian and NZ Totalizator Agency Board
British Dictionary definitions for tab (4 of 4)
tab.
abbreviation for
table (list or chart)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Idioms and Phrases with tab
tab
see keep tabs on.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.