table

1 of 3

noun

ta·​ble ˈtā-bəl How to pronounce table (audio)
plural tables
often attributive
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
4
a
tables plural : backgammon
b
: one of the two leaves of a backgammon board or either half of a leaf
5
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)
(2)
: a horizontal stratum

table

2 of 3

verb

tabled; tabling ˈtā-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce table (audio)

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

table

3 of 3

adjective

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
Phrases
off the table
: not up for consideration or negotiation
That option is now off the table.
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

Examples of table in a Sentence

Noun 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. Verb The committee tabled the issue until the next meeting. She plans to table a motion for debate in Parliament.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In the past month, more than 2,000 shoppers picked up this boho table. Toni Sutton, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024 The Native American Land Conservancy will ensure the many Indigenous groups on whose ancestral land Joshua trees grow will have a seat at the table, said Elizabeth Paige, education and stewardship program manager of the nonprofit and a member of the Torres Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla Indians. Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024
Verb
With Republicans controlling the House, GOP lawmakers have the power to table the resolution — if Johnson can keep his slim majority together. Mike Lillis, The Hill, 20 Nov. 2024 The item was listed on the Nov. 18 City Council meeting with an expectation that it would be tabled for as long as 120 days. Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 18 Nov. 2024
Adjective
How to Do It: Start on your hands and knees in a table top position. Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 1 Aug. 2023 But catching mid-table Girona, buoyed by arguably this year’s shrewdest signing, is a better way to go. Henry Flynn, Forbes, 1 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for table 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of table was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near table

Cite this Entry

“Table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/table. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

table

1 of 2 noun
ta·​ble ˈtā-bəl How to pronounce table (audio)
1
2
a
: a piece of furniture with a smooth flat top fixed on legs
b
: food served at a meal
c
: a group of people assembled at a table
3
a
: an orderly arrangement of facts or figures in rows or columns for quick reference
a table of weights
the multiplication table
b
: a short list
the table of contents
4

table

2 of 2 verb
tabled; tabling -b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce table (audio)
1
2
: to remove a parliamentary motion from consideration for an unspecified period of time
3
: to put on a table

Medical Definition

table

noun
ta·​ble ˈtā-bəl How to pronounce table (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on table

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