table

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

Updated on: 23 May 2018

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

The people familiar with the talks didn't say which Alaskan assets are being put on the table.

— kelly gilblom and dinesh nair, Houston Chronicle, "BP, Conoco are said to be in talks on North Sea, Alaska assets swap," 18 May 2018
Such measures were also on the table when American cardinals in 2002 and the 24-member Irish bishops’ conference in 2010 were hauled before the pope for a dressing down for their dismal handling of abuse cases.

— Washington Post, "Pope’s Chile abuse summit ends amid signs heads will roll," 17 May 2018
The people didn't say which Alaskan assets BP is putting on the table.

— author: kelly gilblom, dinesh nair, Anchorage Daily News, "BP said to be in talks to take Conoco’s UK field in swap deal for some Alaska assets," 17 May 2018
North Korea is also saying that denuclearization will not be on the table.

— Fox News, "Hannity: Another stinging setback for the special counsel," 17 May 2018
He and Orr learned early that the traditional practice of dumping freshly boiled crawfish on a table before the guests and letting them all dig in didn’t lend itself well to the Maple Tree Inn layout, so the food is set up buffet style.

— paige fumo fox, Daily Southtown, "Get ready to 'grip, twist, peel and slurp' during Maple Tree Inn's 18th annual Crawfish Fest," 17 May 2018
Democrats say the new requirements would slash benefits to needy families and the elderly, jeopardizing their ability to put food on the table.

— deirdre shesgreen, USA TODAY, "House conservatives aim to derail farm bill over immigration," 17 May 2018
Kruger leans on a table at the front of the room, not issuing directives but simply asking questions.

— eva holland, Smithsonian, "Where the Doomed, Beloved Polar Bear Is Still a Dangerous Predator," 16 May 2018
In this case, major issues on the table include the prospect of North Korean denuclearization and what that process and verification would look like, as well as trade and investment, among other topics.

— brian bennett, Time, "President Trump 'Doesn't Think He Needs' to Prepare Much for His Meeting With North Korea's Kim Jong Un," 16 May 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

Tolls Despite promising a vote on electronic highway tolls this year — win or lose — House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz tabled the issue amid fervent opposition.

— russell blair, courant.com, "From Marijuana To Tolls: Did Connecticut Lawmakers Pass These 14 Major Bills?," 10 May 2018
Two controversial bills being reviewed by the Howard County Council — one setting rules for mulching operations and the other changing renters’ rights — were tabled last night.

— kate magill, Columbia Flier, "County Council puts off votes on mulch, landlord regulations," 8 May 2018
Business owners and residents packed the Village Hall meeting room Monday where the Village Board discussed, then tabled, a vote on an ordinance that would limit video gambling to bars and restaurants that have a Class A liquor license.

— mike nolan, Daily Southtown, "Orland officials delay vote on video gambling," 8 May 2018
Here are some ideas from Koba: Look for workout routines online that can be followed on a phone or tabled, to help guide your sideline workout: TheZeusFitness has a 10-minute video.

— lori nickel, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "You chauffeur kids from one activity to another to keep them healthy. But what about you?," 8 May 2018
Mayor James Snyder then moved to table the RDC’s request for eminent domain proceedings.

— michael gonzalez, Post-Tribune, "Portage board member stymies city bid to acquire properties," 8 May 2018
House Republicans almost unanimously shut it down, moving to table the motion in a 215-174 vote.

— tara isabella burton, Vox, "Did Paul Ryan fire the House chaplain for criticizing tax cuts?," 27 Apr. 2018
Next up: Hubbard Park Beer Garden, 3565 N. Morris Blvd., Shorewood, will have the picnic tables out and the bar open at 3 p.m. Monday.

— kathy flanigan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Hubbard Park Beer Garden in Shorewood opens for the season on Monday," 25 Apr. 2018
This year's event includes farm to table delights provided by Bauer Farm Kitchen, Bite, Golden Rule Catering, Grateful Grahams and Keystone Bar & Grill.

— sheila vilvens, Cincinnati.com, "West Clermont superintendent search starts with 'circus environment'," 12 Apr. 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

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
As smooth- and quiet-running as a table lamp, or two table lamps.

— bruce mccall, Esquire, "5 Electric Cars That Are Too Weird to Believe," 15 Mar. 2018
Southampton were held to a goalless draw by a resilient Stoke side in a crucial game at the St. Mary's Stadium on Saturday, which saw two sides at the foot of the table battle it out for three points.

— SI.com, "Southampton 0-0 Stoke: Saints and Potters Share the Spoils In Crucial Relegation Scrap," 3 Mar. 2018
Others amuse themselves playing table football or having elaborate spa treatments.

— The Economist, "Living the high lifeSome airport terminals are learning from the luxury-hotel business," 1 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

table

verb

Definition of table for English Language Learners

: to decide not to discuss (something) until a later time
: to formally present (something) for discussion

TABLE Defined for Kids

table

noun ta·ble \ ˈtā-bəl \

Definition of table for Students

1 : a piece of furniture having a smooth flat top on legs

the kitchen table

a picnic table

2 : food to eat

Grandma sets a good table.

3 : the people around a table

The whole table ordered fish.

4 : short list

a table of contents

5 : an arrangement in rows or columns for reference

multiplication tables

table

verb

Definition of table for Students

tabled; tabling

1 : tabulate

2 : to put on a table

Medical Dictionary

table

noun ta·ble \ ˈtā-bəl \

medical Definition of table

1 : a piece of furniture consisting of a smooth flat slab fixed on legs; especially : one used for examining or operating

2 : either of the two layers of compact bone of the skull which are separated by cancellous diploe

Learn More about table

See words that rhyme with table Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for table Spanish Central: Translation of table Nglish: Translation of table for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of table for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about table

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table

Definition of table

Examples of table in a Sentence

Recent Examples of table from the Web

Origin and Etymology of table

table Synonyms

Synonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Other Furniture and Woodworking Terms

table

Definition of table

Examples of table in a Sentence

Recent Examples of table from the Web

First Known Use of table

table

Definition of table

Recent Examples of table from the Web

First Known Use of table

TABLE Defined for English Language Learners

table

Definition of table for English Language Learners

table

Definition of table for English Language Learners

TABLE Defined for Kids

table

Definition of table for Students

table

Definition of table for Students

Medical Dictionary

table

medical Definition of table

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