Definition of cab

The word "cab" originates from the French term "cabriolet," which referred to a light, two-wheeled carriage drawn by one horse. In the late 17th century, English coachbuilders adapted the design to create a smaller, enclosed version, which they called a "cabriolet coach." The word "cab" likely emerged as a shortened form of "cabriolet" around the early 19th century, as horse-drawn carriages became more widespread. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the term "cab" gained popularity with the rise of horse-drawn cabs and later, taxicabs. Today, the term "cab" is synonymous with a vehicle, typically a car or taxi, that is driven by a professional and available for hire. The word has undergone significant changes in meaning and context over the centuries, but its roots remain rooted in the French term "cabriolet," which once referred to a type of carriage.