Cab Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cab
[kæb ]
Definitions
taxi
A cab is a taxi, a vehicle for hire with a driver. Cabs are often used by people who need transportation in urban areas.
Synonyms
carriage, hackney, taxi, vehicle for hire.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cab |
Informally also used for the driver's compartment in a truck or train.
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| taxi |
Widely used, especially in modern, urban contexts to refer to a vehicle you can hire, often synonymous but slightly more formal than 'cab'.
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| carriage |
Mostly used to refer to a horse-drawn vehicle or a part of a train. Formal or historical contexts.
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| hackney |
An older term that refers to a horse-drawn carriage for hire. Rarely used in modern conversation, often seen in historical or literary contexts.
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| vehicle for hire |
Formal and general term, often used in legal, business, or official settings.
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Examples of usage
- I hailed a cab to take me to the airport.
- The cab driver was very friendly and got me to my destination quickly.
compartment
A cab is a compartment at the front of a truck where the driver sits. It is separate from the rest of the vehicle.
Synonyms
cockpit, compartment, driver's seat.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cab |
This term is commonly used to refer to the front section of a truck or large vehicle, where the driver sits and operates the vehicle. It can also refer to a taxi.
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| compartment |
This term describes any enclosed section within a vehicle, such as a train, plane, or car, often used for passengers or storage.
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| cockpit |
This word is primarily used in aviation to describe the area where the pilot controls the aircraft. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a control center for complex operations.
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| driver's seat |
This phrase specifically refers to the seat where the driver sits in any kind of vehicle. It can also be used metaphorically to suggest being in control of a situation.
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Examples of usage
- The driver climbed into the cab of the truck and started the engine.
- The cab of the truck was equipped with all the necessary controls.
bed
A cab is the part of a truck where the driver sits and which can be tilted forward to access the engine for maintenance.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cab |
In another context, it can also refer to the driver’s compartment in a truck or a similar vehicle.
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| bed |
Refers to a piece of furniture used for sleeping or resting.
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| hood |
Common in American English to describe the front part of a car that covers the engine, known as the 'bonnet' in British English.
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| bonnet |
Mostly used in British English to describe the front part of a car that covers the engine, known as the 'hood' in American English.
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Examples of usage
- The mechanic lifted the cab of the truck to work on the engine.
- The cab of the truck was designed to make engine maintenance easier.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Transportation
- Modern cabs often use a meter to charge passengers based on distance traveled and waiting time.
- In major cities, cabs are usually painted bright colors (like yellow in New York) to be easily recognizable.
- Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft have changed the traditional cab industry by allowing users to book rides via smartphone apps.
Cultural Impact
- Cabs are often featured in movies and TV shows, portraying vibrant city life or serving as important plot devices.
- In some cultures, the type of cab can reflect social status, with luxury vehicles available for affluent passengers.
- Cabs can also be symbolic of freedom and adventure, representing spontaneous trips and journeying into the unknown.
Technology
- The introduction of GPS technology has transformed how cab drivers navigate and how passengers are located.
- Many modern cabs are now equipped with credit card readers, making it easier for passengers to pay without cash.
- Electric and hybrid cabs are rising in popularity as cities focus on reducing pollution and promoting sustainability.
History
- In the early 1900s, motorized cabs began to replace horse-drawn carriages, revolutionizing urban transportation.
- In London, the iconic black cab has been a symbol of the city since the 20th century, known for its unique design.
- The introduction of metered fares helped standardize pricing and increased fairness in the taxi industry.
Origin of 'cab'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'cab' comes from 'cabriolet,' which was a type of light horse-drawn carriage in the 19th century.
- The first recorded use of 'cab' in the sense of a taxi dates back to the late 19th century.
- Cab drivers are also known as 'hack drivers,' with 'hack' deriving from the term for rented horses and carriages.
The word 'cab' has a long history, dating back to the 1600s. It originally referred to a horse-drawn carriage for hire. The term evolved to include motorized vehicles for hire with drivers, especially in urban areas. The word 'cab' is believed to be derived from the French word 'cabriolet', which was a type of carriage. Over time, 'cab' became synonymous with taxis and the compartments of trucks where drivers sit.