ETYM French, dim. of cabine or cabane. Related to Cabin.
1. A cupboard-like repository or piece of furniture with doors and shelves and drawers; for storage or display.
2. A storage compartment for clothes and valuables; usually it has a lock; SYN. locker, storage locker.
3. Housing for electronic instruments, as radio or television; SYN. console.
> 4. Persons appointed by a head of state to head executive departments of government and act as official advisers.
In government, a group of ministers that act as advisers to a country's executive. Cabinet members generally advise on, decide, or administer the government's policy. The US cabinet consists of the secretaries (heads) of the executive departments, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The secretaries are not members of Congress; they are advisers to the president. In the UK, the cabinet system originated under the Stuart monarchs; under William III it became customary for the king to select his ministers from the party with a parliamentary majority. The chief royal adviser was called the prime minister.

1. Relating to or being a member of a governmental cabinet.
2. Relating to or used in making cabinets.

The box in which the main components of a computer (CPU, the hard drive, floppy and CD-ROM drives, and expansion slots for peripheral devices, such as monitors) are located. See also CPU, expansion slot.