Cab: meaning, definitions and examples

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cab

[kæb ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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. He spent his shift driving the truck from the cab. The train operator sat in the front cab.
taxi	Widely used, especially in modern, urban contexts to refer to a vehicle you can hire, often synonymous but slightly more formal than 'cab'. We decided to take a taxi home after the party. You can find a taxi stand at the corner of the street.
carriage	Mostly used to refer to a horse-drawn vehicle or a part of a train. Formal or historical contexts. The bride arrived in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage. We traveled in the first-class carriage of the train.
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. The hackney took us from the inn to the manor. In Victorian times, a hackney was a common sight on the streets of London.
vehicle for hire	Formal and general term, often used in legal, business, or official settings. The company must obtain a license to operate a vehicle for hire. He works as a driver of a vehicle for hire.

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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. The truck driver took a nap in the cab before continuing his journey. I hailed a cab to get to the airport quickly.
compartment	This term describes any enclosed section within a vehicle, such as a train, plane, or car, often used for passengers or storage. I stored my luggage in the overhead compartment on the plane. The train's sleeping compartment was quite comfortable for the overnight journey.
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. The pilot and co-pilot sat in the cockpit, ready for takeoff. The spacecraft's cockpit was filled with high-tech equipment.
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. She adjusted the driver's seat before starting the car. In this new project, you will be in the driver's seat and make the decisions.

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.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

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

bed, bonnet, hood.

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. He spent hours driving in his truck's cab. The cab of the crane was very high up.
bed	Refers to a piece of furniture used for sleeping or resting. I am so tired; I just want to lie down in my bed. He bought a new bed for his bedroom.
hood	Common in American English to describe the front part of a car that covers the engine, known as the 'bonnet' in British English. Can you open the hood? I need to check the oil level. There's smoke coming from under the hood.
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. I opened the bonnet to check the engine. There's something wrong with the bonnet latch.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "cab" in other languages:

🇵🇹 táxi

🇮🇳 टैक्सी

🇩🇪 Taxi

🇮🇩 taksi

🇺🇦 таксі

🇵🇱 taksówka

🇯🇵 タクシー

🇫🇷 taxi

🇪🇸 taxi

🇹🇷 taksi

🇰🇷 택시

🇸🇦 سيارة أجرة

🇨🇿 taxi

🇸🇰 taxík

🇨🇳 出租车

🇸🇮 taksi

🇮🇸 leigubíll

🇰🇿 такси

🇬🇪 ტაქსი

🇦🇿 taksi

🇲🇽 taxi

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,529 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8526 parity
8527 reconcile
8528 tolerate
8529 cab
8530 stealing
8531 chimney
8532 captive
...