table

noun, often attributive ta·ble \ ˈtā-bəl \

|Updated on: 20 Jun 2018

Examples: table in a Sentence

Definition of table

1 a : a piece of furniture consisting of a smooth flat slab fixed on legs

b (1) : a group of people assembled at or as if at a table

(2) : a legislative or negotiating session

the bargaining table

c (1) : a supply or source of food

(2) : an act or instance of assembling to eat : meal

sit down to table

2 a : a systematic arrangement of data usually in rows and columns for ready reference

b : a condensed enumeration : list

a table of contents

3 : tablet 1a

4 a tables plural : backgammon

b : one of the two leaves of a backgammon board or either half of a leaf

5 : stringcourse

6 : something that resembles a table especially in having a plane surface: such as

a : the upper flat surface of a cut precious stone — see brilliant illustration

b (1) : tableland

(2) : a horizontal stratum

— on the table

: up for consideration or negotiation

the subject is not on the table

— under the table

1 : into a stupor

can drink you under the table

2 : in a covert manner

took money under the table

See table defined for English-language learners

See table defined for kids

Examples of table in a Sentence

They were sitting at the dining table.
She reserved a table for two at the restaurant.
He had the attention of the entire table.
The table shows the salary of each employee.

Recent Examples of table from the Web

In the main living area, teak chairs with rush seats surround an elm dining table, industrial-style stools line the kitchen counter, and clear glass pendants fit in without disappearing.

— marni elyse katz, BostonGlobe.com, "After renting for years on Martha’s Vineyard, building a getaway all their own," 15 June 2018
The 23,000-square-foot venue will feature an eight-lane luxury bowling alley, karaoke, ping-pong tables, shuffleboard, billiards, darts and arcade games, complemented by a restaurant and a 65-foot bar with craft beers and specialty cocktails.

— leeanne griffin, courant.com, "GAME ON! Arcade, Restaurant To Open At Mohegan Sun," 15 June 2018
Well, that, and the busser whose water-glass aim was rather inaccurate — not that dribbling water on the table, which occurred with every refill, bothered him much.

— phil vettel, chicagotribune.com, "Review: Anticipation for Pacific Standard Time pays off with wood-fired excellence," 15 June 2018
One of her most successful was the Ellisse table; created in 1974, its elliptical lines were extremely pure and sleek, a bit futuristic but graced with her typical sensuous feel.

— tiziana cardini, Vogue, "Remembering Gabriella Crespi, a Milanese Original," 15 June 2018
Wilshere most recently teamed up with his BFF at Bournemouth on loan, despite having a number of options on the table, which just goes to show how big of an influence Afobe has over his buddy.

— SI.com, "6 of Football’s Best Bromances," 15 June 2018
Between the two sleeping areas, clients sit together at tables, watch movies, read books and play board games.

— faith e. pinho, Indianapolis Star, "Downtown police now have third option for homeless people instead of jail, hospital: detox," 15 June 2018
The television can be pulled out and angled toward the dining table, when desired.

— catherine romano, WSJ, "Uncluttered Doesn’t Mean Empty: Lessons From a Décor Pro," 15 June 2018
Walker pointed to the checkout counter, large shelves, the jewelry table, little round displays, and a cabinet holding soaps all from Jan and Pizazz.

— chuck gibson, Cincinnati.com, "Alley Boutique first to reopen after historic Loveland fire," 15 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'table.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of table

Middle English, from Old English tabule & Anglo-French table; both from Latin tabula board, tablet, list

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 3

See Words from the same year

table Synonyms

Other Furniture and Woodworking Terms

appoint, credenza, mission, settee

table

verb

Definition of table

tabled; tabling play \ˈtā-b(ə-)liŋ\

transitive verb

1 a : to remove (something, such as a parliamentary motion) from consideration indefinitely

b British : to place on the agenda

c : to put on a table

2 : to enter in a table

See table defined for English-language learners

Examples of table in a Sentence

The committee tabled the issue until the next meeting.
She plans to table a motion for debate in Parliament.

Recent Examples of table from the Web

He was surprised the rule change was tabled at an NCAA meeting in April.

— dave southorn, idahostatesman, "Boise State football preparing to play both of its true freshmen at running back," 6 June 2018
Georgia pushed for a change to the in-conference graduate transfer rule a year ago, but the SEC tabled it.

— edgar thompson, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Alabama coach Nick Saban wary of possible transfer rule change," 30 May 2018
The council also voted to table a bill regulating landlord and tenant relations.

— kate magill, Columbia Flier, "County Council puts off votes on mulch, landlord regulations," 8 May 2018
Those looking for something a little different can try a farm to table tour, a handmade cheese tasting or another Asheville food adventure.

— jessica levy, USA TODAY, "6 reasons you’re going to love the outdoors in Asheville, North Carolina," 30 Apr. 2018
After some discussion, the council asked Zychowicz to come back with more concepts and voted to table the issue.

— erik s. hanley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Franklin resident designs new city logo for free; council wants more options," 10 Apr. 2018
In March, lawmakers in Maryland even tabled a bill to ban chlorpyrifos, a pesticide deemed unsafe by the Environmental Protection Agency some years ago, in anticipation of needing it to combat lanternflies in coming months.

— zach montague, New York Times, "Lanternflies Eat Everything in Sight. The U.S. Is Looking Delicious.," 21 May 2018
Last month, the committee tabled action on the latest proposal for solar farms – two in Washington Township and one in Manhattan Township – while waiting for the state to develop an agricultural mitigation agreement.

— susan demar lafferty, Daily Southtown, "Will County advances plans for 3 solar farms," 14 May 2018
The board tabled discussion of a draft district governance handbook.

— laura groch, sandiegouniontribune.com, "How they voted, May 13," 13 May 2018

First Known Use of table

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 2

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

table

adjective

Definition of table

1 : suitable for a table or for use at a table

a table lamp

2 : suitable for serving at a table

table grapes

3 : proper for conduct at a table

table manners

Recent Examples of table from the Web

Rather than table numbers, guests looked for Philadelphia street signs.

— Philly.com, "Philadelphia weddings: Jessica Atkinson and Barnett Pearlstein," 1 June 2018
Savings on sofas, table lamps, wall art, nightstands and outdoor patio furniture are just the start.

— banu ibrahim, CNN Underscored, "Give your home a major spring update with these Memorial Day deals," 24 May 2018
That takes off the table U.S. levies on $150 billion of Chinese goods in the near term, as well as Chinese border taxes on $50 billion in U.S. goods.

— the editorial board, WSJ, "A Welcome China Trade Truce," 21 May 2018
Try exchanging the overhead light for a chandelier or swapping table lamps for wall sconces or even hanging pendants.

— joanna linberg, Sunset, "10 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Bedroom," 22 Jan. 2018
And even after all that travel, Markle and Prince Harry weren't seated together at the celebration thanks to Pippa's strict table arrangements that separated significant others during the dinner.

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "Was Meghan Markle at Pippa Middleton's Wedding?," 22 May 2017
Plume in Washington, D.C., offers nonalcoholic beverage pairings for kids’ meals using a table side cart.

— alina dizik, WSJ, "High-End Dining for the High-Chair Set," 3 Apr. 2018
The team were staying at the Abba Huesca Hotel ahead of their trip to the top of the table side.

— SI.com, "Segunda Division Star Rushed to Hospital After Falling From Third Floor of Hotel," 31 Mar. 2018
Fill in with wall sconces, floor lamps or table lamps.

— lisa marie hart, USA TODAY, "Take a fresh approach to updating your entire house," 25 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of table

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

TABLE Defined for English Language Learners

table

noun

Definition of table for English Language Learners

: a piece of furniture that has a flat top and one or more legs
: a piece of furniture with a flat surface that is designed to be used for a particular purpose
: a group of people who are sitting at a table