cabs
|cab|
B1
/kæb/
(cab)
hired small carriage / taxi
Etymology
Etymology Information
'cab' originates from French, specifically the word 'cabriolet,' a light two-wheeled carriage; English shortened it to 'cab'.
Historical Evolution
'cab' changed from French 'cabriolet' (from 18th–19th c.) and was adopted into English as 'cabriolet' before being shortened to the modern English word 'cab'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to a specific kind of two-wheeled carriage ('cabriolet'); over time it evolved into its current meaning of a motor vehicle hired to carry passengers (a 'taxi').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'cab': a vehicle licensed to carry passengers for hire; a taxi.
There were several cabs lined up outside the station.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/26 00:17