table

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

|Updated on: 18 Jul 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 addition there are bocce courts, a green lawn where children often play, and scores of tables and sitting areas that are generously spaced so no one feels cramped.

— michael bauer, SFChronicle.com, "Stem Kitchen and Garden in Mission Bay: Go before it’s ‘discovered’," 12 July 2018
At the far end of the table, Kelly replicates a look from earlier in the meeting, tightening his mouth.

— rebecca tan, Washington Post, "Pursed lips and glances to the floor: Watch Trump aides react to his attacks on Germany," 11 July 2018
But we were still destined for a big meal, and with just a turn the ticket on our table, the gauchos began to circle and then descend.

— anna caplan, star-telegram, "The pizza version of a churrascaria exists — so wear your stretchy pants," 11 July 2018
Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian West, Khloé Kardashian and Kendall Jenner will each host their own table.

— taylor mims, Billboard, "City of Hope & The Forum Team Up for Charity Poker Tournament With Help From the Kardashians," 10 July 2018
The Dash are near the bottom of the NWSL table, but in a nine-team league, that doesn’t mean there’s much separation between them and the Pride. Plus, Houston beat Orlando 2-1 at home last week.

— jordan culver, Pro Soccer USA, "Orlando Pride upbeat entering final third of 2018 season," 9 July 2018
During recent lunch shifts, a steady stream of customers picked up orders to go and a handful of tables were always full — a group of men in suits sharing lunch, her mother and a childhood friend toasting.

— alison bowen, chicagotribune.com, "From prison to pioneer: a chef's dream to transform one Chicago corner," 9 July 2018
The patio is a great refuge with its white tables set off by topiary, shrubbery, flowers and trees.

— patrick z. mcgavin, Post-Tribune, "Guide to outdoor dining in Chicago suburbs and NWI: Lighthouse Restaurant in Cedar Lake," 9 July 2018
West Brom were relegated at the end of the Premier League season - finishing bottom of the table - despite a late resurgence in form.

— SI.com, "'My Love for Him Was Back': Liverpool Fans Gush About £120k-a-Week Ace After Win v Chester," 8 July 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

Swalwell tried to overrule, but the Republican-majority committee voted to table that.

— alex pappas, Fox News, "Strzok hearing interrupted by Dem bid to hold Steve Bannon in contempt," 12 July 2018
That said, there is another mechanism for tabling an amendment: a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of the states.

— The Economist, "America’s electoral system gives the Republicans advantages over Democrats," 12 July 2018
According to Chronicle Live, the Potters are attempting to lure Ritchie to the club with a lucrative wage packet worth £75,000-per-week plus bonuses while simultaneously tabling offers to the Magpies in the hope of forcing their hand.

— SI.com, "Newcastle Reject £15m Bid From Championship Side Stoke City for Winger Matt Ritchie," 5 July 2018
Cupertino considered a per-employee tax that would affect mostly Apple — but tabled discussion until next year.

— roland li, SFChronicle.com, "As Silicon Valley looks to tax tech, San Francisco has lightened its load," 2 July 2018
The City Council unanimously voted during a meeting on Tuesday to table its discussion on how the intersection at Olive and Verdugo avenues as well as Sparks Street should be reconfigured to improve safety and traffic in that neighborhood.

— anthony clark carpio, latimes.com, "No decision made on Olive-Verdugo-Sparks intersection project," 30 June 2018
The Middletown Board of Education voted to table the matter earlier this week.

— sue kiesewetter, Cincinnati.com, "Will Butler County pay to keep schools safe? Levy may go on ballot," 27 June 2018
On June 7, the council voted to table the item, requiring developer Barclays Group to communicate more with residents to allay their fears.

— lily altavena, azcentral, "Developer drops plans for controversial Gilbert four-story apartment complex," 25 June 2018
Sacramento's Refugee Programs Bureau, Opening Doors, Inc., International Rescue Committee Sacramento, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Lao Family Community Development, Inc., and World Relief Sacramento – tabled nearby.

— jordan cutler-tietjen, sacbee, "How soccer united refugees from around the world in Sacramento," 20 June 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

Kapur doesn’t want wordy chef-splanations to interrupt the revelry, so most dishes are delivered table side with warm, unpretentious words of welcome.

— ali bouzari, SFChronicle.com, "Housemade: The magic of Liholiho Yacht Club," 22 June 2018
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

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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up table? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

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

Learn More about table

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Good, The Bad, & The Semantically Imprecise - 7/20

Trending: Giuliani: Secret Recordings 'Powerful Exculpatory Evidence'

5 Words for Clumsy People

Test Your Emoji Exceptionalism

Ghost Word