cabinet
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a piece of furniture with shelves, drawers, or doors used for storing things like dishes, tools, or files.
a storage case or cupboard with shelves or drawers, often built into a wall or standing as a separate piece of furniture.
Simple“We keep all the cleaning supplies in the cabinet under the kitchen sink.”
In context“The carpenter installed custom oak cabinets throughout the kitchen to maximize the available storage space in the narrow room.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a group of the most senior politicians who advise a leader and run government departments.
the body of high-ranking state officials, typically consisting of the top leaders of the executive branch.
Simple“The president met with her cabinet to discuss the new economic plan.”
In context“The Prime Minister faced significant pressure to reshuffle the cabinet following the controversial failure of the housing initiative.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
a box or case that holds electrical or mechanical equipment.
a protective housing or assembly for electronic, mechanical, or computing equipment.
Simple“The server cabinet in the basement was making a loud humming noise.”
In context“The technician opened the telecommunications cabinet to inspect the wiring for signs of heat damage or corrosion.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
a cold drink made of milk, ice cream, and flavouring.
a regional term for a milkshake, specifically one made with coffee or chocolate syrup.
Simple“When we visited Rhode Island, I tried a coffee cabinet for the first time.”
In context“The local diner is famous for its thick coffee cabinets, a traditional treat that remains a staple of the regional diet.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is highly localized to Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts; most English speakers will only know the furniture or political senses.
Synonymsmilkshakefrappe - 05 C2 Proficiency
a small, private room for meeting or thinking.
a small, private room or chamber, often used for study or confidential business.
Simple“The king retired to his private cabinet to read the secret letters.”
In context“The diplomat was ushered into a small, dimly lit cabinet where the count awaited him for a private audience.”
Usage cabinet meeting · cabinet minister · cabinet ministers
“Far-right National Security Minister Ben-Gvir sits on Israel's security cabinet, which helps shape war and policy.”
“Unfortunately, a cabinet minister resigns and publishes a three-page-long letter that contains the phrase "the PM was warned" four times.”
From cabin + -et, influenced by French cabinet. In sense of “a government group”, compare salon, also named for a room used to gather.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.