cabinet

A cabinet is a piece of furniture with enclosed storage, typically featuring doors and shelves, used to organize and protect items. In kitchens, base and wall cabinets form the main storage framework, while in living spaces there are display cabinets, wardrobes, and armoires. Cabinets can be freestanding or built into the room.

The term derives from the French cabinet, meaning a private room or study; the word ultimately stems from Latin, and the furniture sense emerged in Europe during the Renaissance as craftsmen specialized in joinery, finishes, and hardware.

Construction and design: materials include hardwoods such as oak, maple, and cherry, as well as plywood, particleboard, and laminates. Common components are frames, panels, doors, drawers, and backs. Features include adjustable shelves, pull-out helpers, hinges, and soft-close mechanisms; finishes range from stains and paints to veneers and laminates.

Types: base cabinets (lower units with a countertop), wall cabinets (upper units), tall or pantry cabinets; display cabinets with glass doors; medicine cabinets; and file cabinets for office use. Specialized cabinets include wine cabinets and hutches.

Political meaning: In many governments, the cabinet is the body of senior ministers who advise the head of government and coordinate policy. Members are collectively responsible for cabinet decisions. The cabinet meets to deliberate and approve major measures, while individual ministers handle day-to-day administration.