Cabinet Meaning

UK /ˈkæbɪnɪt/
US /ˈkæbɪnət/
Word Definition
cabinet meaning

Cabinet Definition & Usage

noun

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

Examples

  • "She opened the cabinet to grab a glass of water."
  • "The kitchen cabinet was stocked with all the necessary utensils."
  • "He stored his valuable papers in the locked cabinet."
  • "The antique cabinet had been passed down through generations."
  • "I need to reorganize the medicines in the cabinet."
noun

A group of senior officials, typically the heads of government departments, who advise and assist a leader (such as a president or prime minister).

Examples

  • "The cabinet held a meeting to discuss the national security situation."
  • "The president appointed a new cabinet after the elections."
  • "She was named to the cabinet as Minister of Health."
  • "The cabinet will soon present its annual budget proposal."
  • "The prime minister's cabinet is divided on the issue of climate change."
noun

A small private room, typically one used for working or studying, often in a home or office setting.

Examples

  • "He retired to his study cabinet to work on the report."
  • "The library had a quiet cabinet where students could read undisturbed."
  • "The director's cabinet was filled with rare books and old manuscripts."
  • "She enjoyed spending time in her cozy cabinet, away from the hustle and bustle."
  • "They installed a new cabinet in the corner of the office for meetings."

Cultural Context

The word 'cabinet' has evolved from its early usage as a small room or private space to its modern meanings referring to storage furniture and political bodies. In government contexts, it is a key concept in many parliamentary and presidential systems, symbolizing decision-making power and leadership. Over time, the word has also come to be associated with organizational hierarchy and governance, as well as with personal space in terms of home or office design.

The Cabinet of Decisions

Story

The Cabinet of Decisions

In a bustling city at the edge of a forest, there was a grand house built by an old industrial magnate. His study was filled with various antiques, but the most fascinating piece was a large, carved wooden cabinet at the center of the room. This cabinet had a reputation in the town for being much more than a storage piece—it was said to hold the secrets of past decisions made by the head of the family, a collection of documents that had shaped the fate of the town itself. One evening, as the storm raged outside, Eleanor, the current head of the family, sat in front of the cabinet, pondering a major decision. She had just been elected to the cabinet of the country’s new president, and her mind was conflicted. The president’s cabinet was a tight-knit group, but their recent discussions about the environment were deeply divided. Eleanor, known for her reasoned approach, knew that the upcoming vote could change everything. As she opened the cabinet doors to retrieve a letter left by her father, she was reminded of the time when the town was saved from an industrial disaster, thanks to decisions made by those who had come before her. ‘We need a solution,’ she muttered, tracing her fingers over the documents within the cabinet. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a knock at the door. It was her assistant, who handed her a new report from the president’s cabinet meeting. ‘The cabinet is in disagreement,’ the assistant said. ‘The president needs you to make the final call.’ Eleanor closed the cabinet and turned to face the assistant. She felt the weight of history in the room. In the cabinet she had just shut, both physical and political decisions had been made, and now, once again, the weight of the world rested on her shoulders. The storm outside seemed to mirror the turmoil within, but Eleanor knew that, like her forebearers, she had to make the right choice. She grabbed the report and headed for the meeting, leaving the cabinet behind—but its influence would always stay with her.

The Cabinet of Decisions