tab

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Computing

n. a clickable button at the top of a web browser or window that lets you switch between pages.

n. a graphical user interface element that allows a user to switch between different documents or panels within a single window.

“I have so many tabs open in my browser that I can't see the titles.”

“The developer implemented a tabbed interface to prevent the workspace from becoming cluttered with multiple independent windows.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. a bill for food or drinks, especially one that you pay at the end of a night.

n. an informal record of a customer's charges, typically in a bar or restaurant, to be settled at a later time.

“We decided to run a tab at the bar and pay for all the drinks together.”

“The regular customers were permitted to keep a monthly tab, settling their accounts only after their paychecks were deposited.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Computing

n. the key on a computer keyboard used to move the cursor forward several spaces.

n. a key on a computer keyboard that inserts a horizontal space or moves the focus to the next input field.

“Press the tab key to move to the next box in the form.”

“The software allows users to navigate through the entire menu system using only the tab and enter keys.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Music Informal

n. a simple way of writing music for guitar that shows where to put your fingers.

n. a form of musical notation, primarily for fretted string instruments, indicating instrument fingering rather than musical pitches.

“He couldn't read sheet music, so he learned the song using a guitar tab.”

“While professional musicians often prefer standard notation, many hobbyists find that tabs offer a more intuitive way to learn complex solos.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Medicine Informal · Slang

n. a small pill or tablet, often used when talking about illegal drugs.

n. a small tablet or pill, frequently used in the context of illicit substances or specific medications.

“The police found several tabs of acid in the suspect's pocket.”

“The forensic report confirmed that the tabs contained a mixture of synthetic compounds rather than pure MDMA.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun British English · Dialect · Informal

n. a common word for a cigarette in some parts of the UK.

n. a regional term for a cigarette, primarily used in North East England.

“He went outside for a quick tab before the meeting started.”

“The local dialect in Newcastle includes several unique terms, such as using 'tab' to refer to a cigarette.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Computing

v. to move across a screen or form by pressing the tab key.

v. to advance a cursor or move between input fields using the tab key. Intransitive in this sense.

“You can tab through the different sections of the website to save time.”

“The user interface was designed so that data entry clerks could tab efficiently between fields without needing to use a mouse.”