tab
UK: tæb | US: tæb
n. 1. A small flap or strip of material attached to something for pulling, opening, or identification.
n. 2. A bill or check (informal, especially in "pick up the tab").
n. 3. A key on a computer keyboard that moves the cursor to a preset position.
vt. 1. To label or identify with a tab.
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The word "tab" originated in the late 14th century as "tabbe," meaning a small strap or flap, likely from Middle English or Old French. Its modern senses (e.g., keyboard key, bill) evolved metaphorically from the idea of a physical tag or marker. The informal use for "bill" (e.g., "pick up the tab") emerged in American English circa 1918, possibly linked to tallying charges on a literal tab (strip of paper).
She pulled the tab to open the soda can.
He offered to pick up the tab for dinner.
Press the tab key to indent the text.
Each file folder had a labeled tab for easy sorting.
The bartender kept a running tab for regular customers.