tab

Everyday

1. A tab is a small flap or strip sticking out of something, used for pulling, holding or labelling it, like the tab on a can or a folder. tree →
2. On a computer, a tab is one of the pages open in a web browser, shown as a little label along the top. tree →
3. The Tab key on a keyboard moves the cursor forward to the next space or box. tree →
4. (informal) A tab is a bill for food or drinks that you pay later, as in «put it on my tab». tree →
5. «Keep tabs on» someone means to watch them carefully to know what they are doing. tree →
6. (UK, slang) A tab can mean a cigarette in some parts of England. tree →

In the lessons

In computing lessons, pupils open and close browser tabs and use the Tab key to move between boxes in a form. In everyday life, tabs are on drink cans, files and clothes labels. In stories, «keep tabs on» shows someone watching or checking on another person. Phrases: «open a new tab», «close the tab», «keep tabs on», «pick up the tab» (pay the bill), «ring-pull tab».

Examples

• I had twelve tabs open, and the computer slowed down. tree →
• Press Tab to jump to the next box. tree →
• Pull the tab to open the can. tree →
• Our teacher keeps tabs on who has finished their reading. tree →
• Grandad picked up the tab for the whole family's dinner. tree →
• Each folder has a coloured tab with a name on it. tree →
• Close that tab and go back to the maths website. tree →
• The coat had a little tab for hanging it on a hook. tree →

Note

Countable noun. Verb forms double the b: tabbed, tabbing. «Pick up the tab» means pay for everyone, not lift a flap. «Tab» as a cigarette is regional British slang. In maths and data, «tab-separated» means split by tab spaces.