Tab
/tæb/noun
A small flap, strip, or label used for grasping, marking, or fastening; also, a running total or bill in informal use.
Did you know?English “tab” is a surprisingly messy word-history crossroads: some senses likely come from earlier words for a tag or strip, while the modern “bill/check” sense arose later in colloquial English, not from any occult origin at all.
Etymological Timeline
Old English / Middle English
English
tabbe
“A small strip, flap, or hanging piece”
Middle English
English
tab
“A projecting flap or tag used for fastening or identification”
17th Century
English
tab
“A small label, ticket, or strip attached to something”
19th Century
English
tab
“An informal record of charges or a bill”
Modern English
English
tab
“A flap, label, divider, or a running account; also a browser tab”