tablet

noun

tab·​let ˈta-blət How to pronounce tablet (audio)
1
a
: a flat slab or plaque suited for or bearing an inscription
b
: a thin slab or one of a set of portable sheets used for writing
2
a
: a small mass of medicated material
an aspirin tablet
b
: a compressed or molded block of a solid material
3
a
or tablet computer : a mobile computing device that has a flat, rectangular form like that of a magazine or pad of paper, that is usually controlled by means of a touch screen, and that is typically used for accessing the Internet, watching videos, playing games, reading electronic books, etc.

Examples of tablet in a Sentence

you'll need to use your writing tablet to record all the information that the real estate agent is likely to reel off take two tablets of the medication every eight hours
Recent Examples on the Web Even tablets have seen a major markdown ahead of the sale, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Android Tablet is an impressive 35 percent off for the time being. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 14 Mar. 2024 Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024 Speck makes cases for both Apple and Samsung devices, from iPhones and flagship Galaxy Android phones to tablets and even AirPods and MacBooks. Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 13 Mar. 2024 Both researchers postulate that the tablets were inscribed shortly after being cut from the tree. Margherita Bassi, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024 Our tablet has seen several drops to the floor, but the tablet (and the case) are still in great condition. Katrina Cossey, Parents, 6 Mar. 2024 Other items that have ended up in bureaucratic limbo include dates, sleeping bags, medicines to treat cancer, water purification tablets and maternity kits. Tamara Qiblawi, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024 There’s no word on pricing for this tablet just yet. Julian Chokkattu Simon Hill, WIRED, 26 Feb. 2024 There'll be different deals each day on smartphones, tablets, TVs, and home appliances. Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tablet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tablett, from Anglo-French tablet, diminutive of table table

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tablet was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near tablet

Cite this Entry

“Tablet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tablet. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tablet

noun
tab·​let ˈtab-lət How to pronounce tablet (audio)
1
a
: a flat slab suited for an inscription
2
a
: a compressed or molded block of a solid material
b
: a small usually round mass of material containing medicine
aspirin tablet
3
b
or tablet computer : a mobile computing device that has a flat rectangular form, is usually controlled by means of a touch screen, and is typically used for accessing the Internet, watching videos, and reading e-books

Medical Definition

tablet

noun
tab·​let ˈtab-lət How to pronounce tablet (audio)
: a small mass of medicated material (as in the shape of a disk)
an aspirin tablet

More from Merriam-Webster on tablet

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