# cabinet

/ˈkæbənət/ (US) · /kˈæbɪnət/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cabinet
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. storage furniture

noun · CEFR B1

a piece of furniture with shelves, drawers, or doors used for storing things like dishes, tools, or files.

For teachers: a storage case or cupboard with shelves or drawers, often built into a wall or standing as a separate piece of furniture.

- We keep all the cleaning supplies in the cabinet under the kitchen sink.
- The carpenter installed custom oak cabinets throughout the kitchen to maximize the available storage space in the narrow room.

### 2. government advisors

noun · CEFR B2

a group of the most senior politicians who advise a leader and run government departments.

For teachers: the body of high-ranking state officials, typically consisting of the top leaders of the executive branch.

- The president met with her cabinet to discuss the new economic plan.
- The Prime Minister faced significant pressure to reshuffle the cabinet following the controversial failure of the housing initiative.

### 3. technical enclosure

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a box or case that holds electrical or mechanical equipment.

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

- The server cabinet in the basement was making a loud humming noise.
- The technician opened the telecommunications cabinet to inspect the wiring for signs of heat damage or corrosion.

### 4. milkshake

noun · CEFR C2 · American English · Dialect

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

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

- When we visited Rhode Island, I tried a coffee cabinet for the first time.
- The local diner is famous for its thick coffee cabinets, a traditional treat that remains a staple of the regional diet.

Teaching tip: This sense is highly localized to Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts; most English speakers will only know the furniture or political senses.

### 5. private room

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

a small, private room for meeting or thinking.

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

- The king retired to his private cabinet to read the secret letters.
- The diplomat was ushered into a small, dimly lit cabinet where the count awaited him for a private audience.

## Examples

- The prime minister meets with the cabinet every Tuesday.
- After the election, the president spent weeks selecting experts to fill various positions in the new cabinet.
- The proposed policy faced significant internal opposition, leading to a rare public disagreement among cabinet members that threatened the stability of the ruling coalition.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.