Cabinets Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cabinets

[ˈkabɪnɪts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

furniture

A piece of furniture with shelves, drawers, or compartments for storing or displaying items.

Synonyms

closet, cupboard, wardrobe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cabinets

Typically used to refer to built-in storage spaces in kitchens or bathrooms where you keep dishes, utensils, cleaning supplies, etc.

  • She opened the kitchen cabinets to grab a plate.
  • The bathroom cabinets were filled with toiletries.
cupboard

Often used interchangeably with 'cabinets', but more frequently associated with a kitchen or pantry where food, dishes, and pots are kept.

  • There's a jar of pickles in the cupboard.
  • The tea is in the top cupboard.
wardrobe

Specifically refers to a large, often free-standing piece of furniture where clothes are stored. Sometimes used to describe someone's collection of clothes.

  • She bought a new wardrobe from the furniture store.
  • His wardrobe is full of trendy outfits.
closet

Usually refers to a small room or space where you store clothes, shoes, and other personal items.

  • He hid his old clothes in the closet.
  • The master bedroom has a large walk-in closet.

Examples of usage

  • The kitchen cabinets were filled with dishes and cookware.
  • He kept his books neatly organized on the shelves of the wooden cabinet.
  • She stored her jewelry in the small cabinet next to her bed.
Context #2 | Noun

government

A group of senior government ministers who lead and make decisions on policies.

Synonyms

board, council, ministry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cabinets

Use this for referring to a piece of furniture with doors and shelves, often used for storage in homes or offices.

  • We need new cabinets for the kitchen to store all the dishes.
  • She opened the cabinet to grab a glass.
ministry

Use this term to describe a governmental department or its function, often found in the context of specific areas like finance, health, or defense.

  • The Ministry of Education announced new policies for schools.
  • She works at the Ministry of Health.
council

This term fits well when talking about a group of people elected or appointed to make decisions or give advice on a local or specialized level.

  • The city council approved the new park project.
  • He presented his proposal to the council.
board

This word is suitable for a group of people who manage or oversee an organization, such as a company or school.

  • The board of directors will meet next week to discuss the budget.
  • She was elected to the school board last year.

Examples of usage

  • The Prime Minister met with the cabinet to discuss the new legislation.
  • The cabinet members debated the budget proposal for hours.
  • The decision was finally approved by the entire cabinet.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'cabinets'

The word 'cabinets' has a rich history, originating from the Latin word 'capere' meaning 'to take'. In the 16th century, it was used to refer to a small room or closet for storing valuables. Over time, it evolved to represent a piece of furniture with compartments. In the political context, 'cabinet' emerged in the 17th century to describe a private room where advisors met. Today, it signifies a group of government officials making decisions.


See also: cabinetmaker, cabinetmaking.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,409, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.