often attributive
1
a
: a short projecting device: such as
(1)
: a small flap or loop by which something may be grasped or pulled
(2)
: a projection from a card used as an aid in filing
b
: a small insert, addition, or remnant
d
: a small auxiliary airfoil hinged to a control surface (such as a trailing edge) to help stabilize an airplane in flight see airplane illustration
2
[partly short for table entry 1; partly from sense 1]
a
: close surveillance : watch
keep tabs on trends
c
: cost
the tab for the new program
3
[short for tabulator]
: a key on a keyboard that indents text by a preset amount
tabbed; tabbing
Examples of tab in a Sentence
Noun
Insert the tab into this slot to close the box.
a notebook with index tabs
The tab on the zipper is broken.
He ran up a $200 bar tab.
He put the drinks on his tab.
Verb
After you type your name in the first box, you can move to the next box by tabbing.
Recent Examples on the Web
Kate Gibson, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024
Zoom in: The secretary's office learned on Oct. 24 about the passwords posted in a hidden spreadsheet tab from a voting machines vendor and removed them from the website, according to a new timeline of events.
—John Frank, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Fresh off a Western Conference finals appearance, Minnesota was tabbed to again finish second in the West, behind only an Oklahoma City team that was the No. 1 seed in the spring and loaded up on key additions via trades and signings this offseason.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tab 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Flat Top Grill The restaurant chain is offering 20% off the in-store tab (excluding alcohol) for those who stop in with their sticker.
—Kate Gibson, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024
Zoom in: The secretary's office learned on Oct. 24 about the passwords posted in a hidden spreadsheet tab from a voting machines vendor and removed them from the website, according to a new timeline of events.
—John Frank, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
Miles Stanley has been tabbed as the crew chief for the Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 Ford Mustang driven by Josh Berry in 2025.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Fresh off a Western Conference finals appearance, Minnesota was tabbed to again finish second in the West, behind only an Oklahoma City team that was the No. 1 seed in the spring and loaded up on key additions via trades and signings this offseason.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tab
Dictionary Entries Near tab
Cite this Entry
“Tab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tab. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tab
1 of 2 noun1
a
: a short flap or tag used as an aid in filing, pulling, or hanging
b
: something inserted
2
a
: close watch
keep tabs on fashion trends
3
: a key on a keyboard especially for arranging information in columns
tab
2 of 2 verb
tabbed; tabbing
1
: to furnish or ornament with tabs
2
: to select or name for a special purpose : designate
tabbed as the team's next captain
3
: to hit the tab key on a keyboard
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