Tab vs. Tub: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 12, 2023
A tab is a small flap or projection, often for holding, securing, or closing, while a tub is a large, open, deep container, typically for holding liquids or washing.
Key Differences
The words "Tab" and "Tub" belong to utterly different categories in the English language. While both are nouns, their applications and meanings differ substantially. A tab typically refers to a small projection, flap, or piece extending from a card, paper, or folder, which can be used for holding, securing, or closing. Think of the tabs in a binder or browser tabs on the internet. On the other hand, a tub denotes a large and open container, generally used for holding liquids, bathing, or washing items.
In the world of technology, the word "Tab" takes on an entirely different meaning. It can refer to a section of a computer interface that you can click on to access different functions. Contrastingly, "Tub" remains consistent in its definition across various contexts, firmly rooting itself in the realm of physical containers.
Another distinction is the idiomatic usage of these words. For example, "picking up the tab" means to cover the bill, especially in restaurants. Meanwhile, "Tub" does not have many idiomatic expressions tied to its definition.
Lastly, while "Tab" possesses versatility, being used in contexts ranging from binders to browsers, "Tub" is straightforward, always bringing to mind a container or vessel. Such clear distinction ensures that these terms are not usually confused, even though they sound somewhat similar.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A small flap or projection
A large, deep, open container
ADVERTISEMENT
Usage
In binders, browsers, payment (idiomatic)
In bathrooms, for washing, holding liquids
Origin
Middle English (possibly from Old Norse tabbi)
Middle English tubbe
Syllables
One
One
Common associations
Internet browsers, bills in restaurants
Bathing, laundry, container for liquids
Tab and Tub Definitions
Tab
A bill or check, especially in a restaurant.
He generously offered to pick up the tab.
ADVERTISEMENT
Tub
A small, round container with a flat lid, especially for margarine or ice cream.
I bought a tub of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Tab
A key on a typewriter or computer keyboard that moves the carriage or cursor to the next preset position.
Press the tab key to align the text.
Tub
An open, flat-bottomed vessel, usually round and typically wider than it is deep, used for washing, packing, or storing.
Tab
A projection, flap, or short strip attached to an object to facilitate opening, handling, or identification.
Tub
The amount that such a vessel can hold.
Tab
A small, usually decorative flap or tongue on a garment.
Tub
The contents of such a vessel.
Tab
A small auxiliary airfoil that is attached to a larger one and that helps stabilize an aircraft.
Tub
A bathtub.
Tab
A pull-tab.
Tub
(Informal) A bath taken in a bathtub.
Tab
A bill or check, such as one for a meal in a restaurant.
Tub
(Informal) A wide, clumsy, slow-moving boat.
Tab
Cost; price
The tab for upgrading the computers would be high.
Tub
A bucket used for conveying ore or coal up a mine shaft.
Tab
A tabulator on a typewriter.
Tub
A coal car used in a mine.
Tab
A key on a computer keyboard that, when pressed, inserts a special ASCII character used for formatting text, as in indenting a line or block of text.
Tub
To pack or store in a tub.
Tab
This special ASCII character.
Tub
To wash or bathe in a tub.
Tab
A tabloid.
Tub
To take a bath.
Tab
To supply with a tab or tabs.
Tub
A flat-bottomed vessel, of width similar to or greater than its height, used for storing or packing things, or for washing things in.
He bought a tub of lard to roast the potatoes in.
Tab
To press the tab on a typewriter or computer keyboard
Tab over to the next column.
Tub
The contents or capacity of such a vessel.
She added a tub of margarine to the stew.
Tab
A small flap or strip of material attached to something, for holding, manipulation, identification, opening etc.
Tub
A bathtub.
Tab
(slang) An ear.
Tub
A slow-moving craft.
Tab
A navigational widget, resembling a physical tab, for switching between documents or sets of controls.
Tub
Any structure shaped like a tub, such as a certain old form of pulpit, a short broad boat, etc.
Tab
(GUI) The page or form associated with such a navigational widget.
How many tabs are open in your Web browser?
Tub
A small cask.
A tub of gin
Tab
A fast march or run with full kit.
Tub
Any of various historically designated quantities of goods to be sold by the tub (butter, oysters, etc).
Tab
A restaurant bill.
Tub
(mining) A box or bucket in which coal or ore is sent up a shaft.
Tab
Credit account, e.g., in a shop or bar; slate
Put this round on my tab, please, barman.
Tub
(obsolete) A sweating in a tub; a tub fast.
Tab
(by extension) The cost or bill for anything.
Tub
(slang) A corpulent or obese person.
Tab
(computing) A space character that extends to the next aligned column, traditionally used for tabulation.
Tub
(transitive) To plant, set, or store in a tub.
To tub a plant
Tab
A cigarette.
Giv' us a tab man!
Tub
(ambitransitive) To bathe in a tub.
Tab
A form of musical notation indicating fingering rather than the pitch of notes, commonly used for stringed instruments.
Tub
An open wooden vessel formed with staves, bottom, and hoops; a kind of short cask, half barrel, or firkin, usually with but one head, - used for various purposes.
Tab
(Oxbridge slang) A student of Cambridge University.
Tub
The amount which a tub contains, as a measure of quantity; as, a tub of butter; a tub of camphor, which is about 1 cwt., etc.
Tab
(colloquial) A tabloid newspaper.
Tub
Any structure shaped like a tub: as, a certain old form of pulpit; a short, broad boat, etc., - often used jocosely or opprobriously.
All being took up and busied, some in pulpits and some in tubs, in the grand work of preaching and holding forth.
Tab
(informal) A tablet, especially one containing illicit drugs.
Tub
A sweating in a tub; a tub fast.
Tab
(transitive) To affix with tabs; to label.
Tub
A small cask; as, a tub of gin.
Tab
(computing) To use the Tab key on a computer to advance the cursor or move the input focus, or on a typewriter to advance the carriage.
Tub
A box or bucket in which coal or ore is sent up a shaft; - so called by miners.
Tab
The flap or latchet of a shoe fastened with a string or a buckle.
Tub
To plant or set in a tub; as, to tub a plant.
Tab
A tag. See Tag, 2.
Tub
To make use of a bathing tub; to lie or be in a bath; to bathe.
Don't we all tub in England ?
Tab
A loop for pulling or lifting something.
Tub
A relatively large open container that you fill with water and use to wash the body
Tab
A border of lace or other material, worn on the inner front edge of ladies' bonnets.
Tub
A large open vessel for holding or storing liquids
Tab
A loose pendent part of a lady's garment; esp., one of a series of pendent squares forming an edge or border.
Tub
The amount that a tub will hold;
A tub of water
Tab
A small projecting piece of a file folder, file card, or similar sheet used in a filing system, on which a notation is written to permit convenient search for the folder, card, etc.
Tub
A large and deep container for holding liquids or for bathing.
She relaxed in the tub after a long day.
Tab
A bill or check for some purchase, as in a restaurant; as, the salesman will pick up the tab.
Tub
A two-wheeled cart or trailer, often pulled by a tractor.
They loaded the hay into the tub to transport it to the barn.
Tab
A key on a typewriter or computer keyboard which advances the carriage or curser to the next (preset) tab position; - used especially to type or print text or numbers in columns.
Tub
A shallow, rectangular container used for washing clothes.
My grandmother used to wash clothes in an old metal tub.
Tab
The bill in a restaurant;
He asked the waiter for the check
Tub
A broad, open, wooden vessel, traditionally used for brewing.
The brewery had an old-fashioned tub they used for special batches.
Tab
Sensationalist journalism
Tab
The key on an electric typewriter that causes a tabulation
Tab
A short strip of material attached to or projecting from something in order to facilitate opening or identifying or handling it;
Pull the tab to open the can
Files with a red tab will be stored separately
The collar has a tab with a button hole
Tab
A dose of medicine in the form of a small pellet
Tab
A small projecting flap or strip used for hanging, securing, or closing.
I opened the soda can by pulling the tab.
Tab
A section of a computer interface with a label that you can click on to see its contents.
I have too many tabs open in my browser.
Tab
A small piece of cloth or other material that attaches to something larger.
The tag on the shirt had a tab with washing instructions.
FAQs
Are ice cream containers referred to as tubs?
Yes, ice cream is often sold in containers called tubs.
In which device is the "Tab" key commonly found?
The "Tab" key is commonly found on computer keyboards.
What is the purpose of a "Tab" in a binder?
In binders, a "Tab" helps organize and separate papers for quick access.
Is a "Tub" solely designed for bathing?
No, a "Tub" can refer to any large, open container, often for holding liquids or other materials.
What does the phrase "pick up the tab" mean?
It means to pay the bill, especially in a dining context.
What is a common use of the word "Tab" in technology?
In technology, a "Tab" often refers to a separate section or page in web browsers.
Can tubs be used for activities other than bathing?
Absolutely, tubs can be used for washing clothes, holding drinks, gardening, and more.
How is "Tab" used in the context of soda cans?
On soda cans, a "Tab" is the metal piece you pull to open the can.
What does the idiom "keeping tabs on someone" imply?
It means monitoring or watching someone closely.
What's a "hot tub"?
A "hot tub" is a large tub filled with hot water used for relaxation or hydrotherapy, often with massaging jets.
What materials can tubs be made of?
Tubs can be made of various materials, including porcelain, metal, plastic, and acrylic.
Can a "Tub" be a small container for butter or margarine?
Yes, smaller containers for butter or margarine are often referred to as tubs.
What's the function of the "Tab" key on a keyboard?
The "Tab" key is used to move the cursor to the next preset position, aiding in text alignment.
How are "clawfoot tubs" different from regular tubs?
"Clawfoot tubs" are freestanding bathtubs raised off the ground by ornately designed feet.
How does a browser "Tab" help in multitasking?
Browser "Tabs" allow users to open multiple web pages within a single browser window, aiding in multitasking.
Do "Tabs" play a role in music?
Yes, in music, "Tabs" or "tablature" provide instructions for playing specific notes on instruments, especially guitars.
Is there a particular shape associated with tubs?
While many picture tubs as oval or rectangular, they can come in various shapes and designs.
Can "Tab" also refer to a bill or check in a restaurant?
Yes, "Tab" can colloquially refer to a bill or check, especially in dining contexts.
What is a "laundry tub"?
A "laundry tub" is a sink designed for washing clothing or other fabrics.
How are "jacuzzi" and "tub" related?
A "jacuzzi" is a brand and a type of hot tub with massaging jets. Over time, it's become a generic term for any tub with jets, though technically, it's a brand name.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
