DictionarytabRunning bill
noun

tab

A bill that accumulates charges to be paid later.

The server adds the drinks to our tab.

Etymology

Tab as an account is associated with a written record of charges. Keeping a tab means accumulating those charges for settlement later.

More examples

  • He paid the tab before leaving.
  • Their meal ran up a large tab.
  • She asked to keep the tab open.

Forms

tab · tabs

Similar words

bill
A statement of money owed.
check
The usual restaurant bill in American English.