noun
plural tabs
[count] a small, flat piece on a box, envelope, etc., that can be put into a hole in order to hold two parts together
a small, flat piece that sticks out from the edge of something (such as a folder) and allows you to identify and find it easily
c US :a small piece of metal, plastic, etc., that is pulled in order to open or close something
US informal :a record of the things (such as drinks at a bar) that a customer has ordered and will pay for later
tab key
informal :a small pill of an illegal drug
keep tabs on
informal :to carefully watch (someone or something) in order to learn what that person or thing is doing
verb
tabs; tabbed; tabbing
[+ obj] :to put a small, identifying label (called a tab) on something - often used as (be) tabbed
[+ obj] US informal :to say that (someone or something) will do something or have a particular role or purpose - often used as (be) tabbed
[no obj] :to hit the tab key on a computer or typewriter
