ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cabinet

n.
US //ˈkæbənət// UK //kˈæbɪnət// cab·i·net
  1. 1 storage furniture (n.)
    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.

    Example

    We keep all the cleaning supplies in the cabinet under the kitchen sink.

    Example

    The carpenter installed custom oak cabinets throughout the kitchen to maximize the available storage space in the narrow room.
  2. 2 government advisors (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Politics

    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.

    Example

    The president met with her cabinet to discuss the new economic plan.

    Example

    The Prime Minister faced significant pressure to reshuffle the cabinet following the controversial failure of the housing initiative.
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  1. 3 technical enclosure (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a box or case that holds electrical or mechanical equipment.

    a protective housing or assembly for electronic, mechanical, or computing equipment.

    Example

    The server cabinet in the basement was making a loud humming noise.

    Example

    The technician opened the telecommunications cabinet to inspect the wiring for signs of heat damage or corrosion.
  2. 4 milkshake (n.)
    C2 Proficiency American English Dialect

    a cold drink made of milk, ice cream, and flavouring.

    a regional term for a milkshake, specifically one made with coffee or chocolate syrup.

    Example

    When we visited Rhode Island, I tried a coffee cabinet for the first time.

    Example

    The local diner is famous for its thick coffee cabinets, a traditional treat that remains a staple of the regional diet.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is highly localized to Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts; most English speakers will only know the furniture or political senses.
  3. 5 private room (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary

    a small, private room for meeting or thinking.

    a small, private room or chamber, often used for study or confidential business.

    Example

    The king retired to his private cabinet to read the secret letters.

    Example

    The diplomat was ushered into a small, dimly lit cabinet where the count awaited him for a private audience.
Origin

From cabin + -et, influenced by French cabinet. In sense of “a government group”, compare salon, also named for a room used to gather.

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