1 B2 idiomatic informal
(Gaming) To leave a full-screen game or application by switching to another program or the desktop
"He tabbed out of the game to check his messages and couldn't get it to load again."
inseparable
tab out
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To switch away from a currently active application, game, or browser tab to another window
In plain English
Click away from what you're doing on your computer to look at something else
What does "tab out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
(General computing, informal) To switch focus away from the current browser tab or application window
"I kept tabbing out to check my email during the lecture."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To press the Tab key to get out of something — derived from the keyboard shortcut behavior.
Actually means
Click away from what you're doing on your computer to look at something else
Usage tip
Primarily used in gaming communities and among people who work at computers. Gamers use it to describe leaving a full-screen game to check something else. Also used casually for switching browser tabs.
Words that pair with "tab out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
game window browser screen app desktop
How to conjugate "tab out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tab out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tabs out
he/she/it
Past simple
tabed out
yesterday
Past participle
tabed out
have + pp
-ing form
tabing out
continuous
Hear "tab out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tab out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.