# fab

/ˈfæb/ (US) · /fˈæb/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fab
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. wonderful or great

adjective · CEFR B1 · Informal

a short, informal way to say 'fabulous' or 'excellent'.

For teachers: an informal clipping of 'fabulous', used to denote high quality or excellence.

- We had a fab time at the party last night.
- The designer's new collection received fab reviews from the fashion press, cementing her reputation as a leader in sustainable luxury.

### 2. a chip factory

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Informal

a factory where computer chips and other electronic parts are made.

For teachers: a microchip manufacturing plant; a clipping of 'fabrication plant'.

- The company is building a new fab to increase chip production.
- Global supply chains were disrupted when a major semiconductor fab in East Asia was forced to suspend operations due to power shortages.

### 3. a member of The Beatles

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal · British English

a nickname for a member of the famous British band, The Beatles.

For teachers: a member of the English rock band The Beatles, typically used in the plural 'the Fab Four'.

- He has a rare poster signed by every fab.
- Music historians often debate which fab contributed most to the experimental sound of their later albums.

### 4. message received

interjection · CEFR B2 · Informal · Humorous

a quick way to say you have understood a message or agree with a plan.

For teachers: used to acknowledge receipt and understanding of information, often in digital communication.

- I'll meet you at six. — Fab, see you then.
- The project manager replied with a simple 'Fab' to confirm she had reviewed the updated timeline.

## Examples

- You look absolutely fab in that dress.
- The band played all their old hits and the atmosphere was just fab.
- While some critics found the retro aesthetic a bit much, most fans agreed the concert was a fab tribute to the sixties.

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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.