table
table — noun
1. a piece of household furniture with a flat top held up by legs, used for eating
a piece of household furniture with a flat top held up by legs, used for eating meals, doing work, or holding objects
Dahlia set the plates on the dining table and called everyone for dinner.
collocation: set the table / dining table
Tamás bought a small wooden table for his balcony to hold his coffee mug and books.
table used for holding objects
The kitchen table was covered with newspapers and homework papers.
A heavy glass vase stood in the middle of the round oak table.
- dining table
- kitchen table
- coffee table
- set the table
- clear the table
- at the table
- on the table
Usage Note
Commonly modified by the room or function: 'kitchen table', 'dining table', 'coffee table'. 'Table' alone usually implies a dining or kitchen table.
Common Mistakes
2. the people gathered around a table at the same time, such as when eating togethe
the people gathered around a table at the same time, such as when eating together or holding a discussion
The whole table burst into laughter when Quan told his funny story.
collective noun: 'the whole table' = everyone sitting there
Aarav looked around the table to see if anyone wanted more water.
The table agreed to meet again the following Tuesday to continue the discussion.
singular verb with collective noun: 'the table agreed'
A murmur of disagreement passed around the table when Christopher suggested changing the menu.
- the whole table
- around the table
- at the table
Grammar Patterns
the whole table
the table + singular/plural verb
Usage Note
Used as a collective noun; takes a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group is seen as a unit or as individuals (e.g. 'The table was silent' vs. 'The table were all talking at once').
3. a piece of furniture with a flat surface used for working on in an office, often
a piece of furniture with a flat surface used for working on in an office, often with drawers
Elena cleared her table before starting the new project report.
collocation: clear the table (office context)
Folake keeps a photograph of her children on her office table next to the computer.
Gabriel pushed his keyboard aside to make room on the table for the printed documents.
Quan stacked the folders neatly on his office table before leaving for the day.
- office table
- work table
- on the table
- desk
the standard term in American English for office work surfaces
Usage Note
In American English, 'desk' is more common than 'table' for office furniture. 'Table' in this sense may sound slightly British or old-fashioned.
4. a table on which plates, cups, and eating tools have been arranged so that peopl
a table on which plates, cups, and eating tools have been arranged so that people can eat a meal
The hotel promised a fine table with fresh flowers and linen napkins every evening.
collocation: 'a fine table' = generous meal spread
Christopher's grandmother always kept a good table with three courses for Sunday lunch.
idiom: 'keep a good table' = provide plentiful food
Samir helped his mother lay the table with clean plates and shiny forks.
collocation: 'lay the table' = arrange dishes
The wedding hall prepared a beautiful table with gold plates and white roses for the bride and groom.
- keep a good table
- lay the table
- set the table
- a fine table
Usage Note
Found in fixed phrases such as 'keep a good table' (provide abundant food) and 'lay the table' / 'set the table' (arrange dishes and utensils). Not used as freely as sense 1.
5. a set of information shown in rows going across and columns going down, making t
a set of information shown in rows going across and columns going down, making the data easy to read and compare
The table on page twelve shows the sales figures for each region.
typical use: reference by page/location
Yumi created a table in her notebook to compare the prices of different laptops.
collocation: create a table
Darius read the table of population numbers and found that Tokyo had the largest city population.
The table of contents lists the chapters in order, but the data table inside each chapter lists the facts.
- data table
- table of contents
- table of figures
- in the table
- shown in a table
- chart
uses visual elements like bars or lines instead of number grids
- grid
emphasizes the structure of rows and columns
- spreadsheet
a digital table used in software like Excel
Usage Note
Distinguish from 'chart' and 'graph', which use pictures rather than rows and columns. A 'table' is text and numbers arranged in a grid.
Common Mistakes
6. a list that shows what number you get when you multiply a particular number by o
a list that shows what number you get when you multiply a particular number by other numbers, often learned by children at school
The students recited the three times table out loud during morning math practice.
collocation: 'times table' = multiplication table
Olivia had trouble remembering the seven times table until her father made up a song to help her.
Knowing the multiplication tables by heart makes solving math problems much faster.
alternative wording: 'multiplication tables'
Darius challenged his younger sister to a race reciting the six times table.
- times table
- multiplication table
- learn the table
- recite the table
- times table
the common everyday term, especially when talking about children learning them
Usage Note
Often shortened to just 'times table' in everyday conversation. Children typically learn tables from 1× to 12×.
7. a list at the front of a book that shows the titles of each section and the page
a list at the front of a book that shows the titles of each section and the page where each one starts
Quan checked the table of contents to find the chapter about the French Revolution.
full phrase: 'table of contents'
The table at the start of the manual lists all the topics covered in the training course.
A good table of contents helps readers quickly find the information they need.
Yumi flipped to the table of contents to see how many chapters were in the novel.
- table of contents
- check the table
- list in the table
- contents
the shorter, more common term for the list at the front of a book
Usage Note
Almost always used in the full phrase 'table of contents'. In book publishing, it is often abbreviated as 'TOC'.
to change a situation completely so that you now have the advantage over someone who previously had the advantage over you
After losing three games in a row, Aarav turned the tables on his opponent and won the next four matches.
The smaller company turned the tables on its big competitor by releasing a cheaper product first.
on the table
idiomavailable for people to discuss, consider, or accept
The company put a new salary offer on the table for the workers to consider.
Both sides have placed their proposals on the table and are waiting for a response.
under the table
idiomdone in a secret or illegal way, especially about payments or money
The landlord asked for an extra payment under the table to give them the apartment.
Paying workers under the table to avoid taxes is against the law.
to provide a useful skill, ability, or resource that helps a group or project
Dahlia brings ten years of marketing experience to the table for the new campaign.
Every member of the team brought something different to the table during the planning meeting.
off the table
idiomno longer available for discussion or consideration
After the budget cut, the new library project was taken off the table.
The manager told us that the option of working from home was now off the table.
To offer something useful or valuable in a discussion or project.
Maya brought her marketing experience to the table during the meeting.
What new skills can you bring to the party for this team project?
come to the table
idiomTo start formal discussions or negotiations with others.
Both sides finally came to the table to discuss the peace agreement.
When will the union leaders come to the table with management?
To drink more alcohol than another person without getting as drunk.
At the party, Diego drank his friend under the table easily.
Can you really drink me under the table like you claim?
To be completely honest about your plans or feelings.
Sara laid her cards on the table and admitted she wanted the promotion.
It's time to put your cards on the table and tell us the truth.
To change a situation so that you gain an advantage over someone who previously had it.
After losing the first game, Aiden turned the tables and won the match.
The smaller company turned the tables on its bigger rival with a new product.
wait at table
idiomTo serve food to guests, especially at a formal meal.
The butler waited at table during the ambassador's dinner party.
Have you ever waited at table for a large wedding reception?
wait tables
idiomTo work as a server in a restaurant, bringing food and drinks to customers.
Min waited tables all through college to pay for her tuition.
Does your brother still wait tables at the Italian restaurant downtown?
table — verb
1. to formally suggest that a committee, parliament, or other official group discus
to formally suggest that a committee, parliament, or other official group discuss a particular matter
The opposition party tabled a motion to investigate the handling of public funds.
typical collocation: 'table a motion' (UK)
Gabriel tabled a question about school funding at the town council meeting.
A proposal to build new cycle lanes was tabled by the local environmental group.
passive form: 'was tabled'
Dahlia tabled an amendment to the housing plan during the committee session.
- table a motion
- table a proposal
- table a question
- table an amendment
- propose
more general and neutral; does not carry the parliamentary formality
- submit
focuses on handing something in for consideration
- put forward
a phrasal verb with a similar meaning
Grammar Patterns
table + noun phrase
Usage Note
This is the British English meaning. In American English, 'table' means the opposite — to postpone discussion. Always check which variety is being used.
Common Mistakes
2. to decide not to discuss or deal with something officially until a later time
to decide not to discuss or deal with something officially until a later time
The Senate voted to table the bill until the next session.
typical US usage: 'table the bill'
Elena moved to table the proposal, saying the committee needed more data before voting.
The discussion was tabled because too many members were absent from the meeting.
passive: 'was tabled due to'
The committee voted to table the budget debate until the new financial report arrived.
- table a bill
- table a motion
- table a proposal
- table discussion
Grammar Patterns
table + noun phrase
Usage Note
This is the American English meaning — directly opposite to the British sense. In US parliamentary procedure, tabling a bill usually kills it or sets it aside indefinitely.
Common Mistakes
3. to organize information, especially numbers or facts, into rows and columns so t
to organize information, especially numbers or facts, into rows and columns so that it is easy to read and compare
The research assistant tabled the survey results and highlighted the key differences.
collocation: 'table results / data'
All the test scores were tabled by class so the teacher could compare the students' progress.
passive: 'were tabled by'
Yumi tabled the monthly expenses in a spreadsheet for the team to review.
The hospital tabled the patient data by age group to study the effects of the new treatment.
- table data
- table results
- table figures
- table information
- scatter
to spread data randomly rather than organizing it
Grammar Patterns
table + noun phrase
Usage Note
Also expressed using the synonym 'tabulate', which is more common in academic and technical writing. 'Table' as a verb is shorter but less frequent.
4. to provide information or sell items from a small temporary station in a public
to provide information or sell items from a small temporary station in a public space
The charity volunteers tabled outside the train station to collect donations for the animal shelter.
collocation: 'table outside / in / at [location]'
Folake tabled at the school fair to sell handmade jewelry and candles.
Student groups tabled on campus all week to encourage people to register to vote.
A local farm tabled at the market every Saturday to sell fresh apples and honey.
- table for donations
- table at an event
- table outside
- table on campus
- set up a booth
more general; 'table' implies a simple table rather than a full booth structure
- canvass
involves going out to talk to people directly, not just sitting at a table
Grammar Patterns
table + at/for + noun phrase
Usage Note
Common in North American university and community organizing contexts. The focus is on the table as a physical stall or booth, not on formal discussion.
table — adjective
1. designed or intended to be placed on or used with a table, especially in a home
designed or intended to be placed on or used with a table, especially in a home
Darius bought a new table lamp for his bedside table because the old one was too dim.
typical compound: 'table lamp'
The table mat protected the wooden surface from the heat of the hot pot.
typical compound: 'table mat'
A white tablecloth covered the long table for the wedding reception.
Aarav picked a blue table runner to match the plates at the birthday dinner.
- table lamp
- table mat
- tablecloth
- table decoration
Grammar Patterns
table + noun
Usage Note
Used only before a noun in compound terms like 'table lamp', 'table mat', 'tablecloth'. This is not a free-standing adjective; it always modifies a noun.
2. suitable for being eaten or drunk as part of a meal, rather than for cooking or
suitable for being eaten or drunk as part of a meal, rather than for cooking or other uses
The chef chose table grapes because they are sweeter than the ones used for winemaking.
typical compound: 'table grapes'
A bottle of table wine is usually less expensive than a fine vintage wine.
typical compound: 'table wine'
Table salt is finer than kosher salt and dissolves more quickly in food.
The restaurant served table olives and fresh bread before the main course arrived.
- table grapes
- table wine
- table salt
- table olives
- cooking
'cooking wine' or 'cooking salt' is meant for use in recipes, not for direct serving at the table
Grammar Patterns
table + noun
Usage Note
Used in food-industry terms to distinguish everyday eating/drinking products from specialized or luxury versions. 'Table wine' is ordinary wine for everyday meals.
3. relating to the accepted ways of behaving while eating with other people at a di
relating to the accepted ways of behaving while eating with other people at a dining table
Samir learned table manners from his grandfather, who insisted on sitting up straight while eating.
typical compound: 'table manners'
Table etiquette varies widely across different cultures and countries.
alternative phrasing: 'table etiquette'
The children were taught proper table behavior, such as not speaking with food in their mouths.
Folake's parents taught her good table manners, like saying please before asking for a dish.
- table manners
- table etiquette
Grammar Patterns
table + noun
Usage Note
Almost always paired with 'manners' or 'etiquette'. Not used with other nouns — you would not say 'table conduct' as a natural compound.
Word family
- tabulateverbC1
- tabularadjectiveC1
- tabulationnounC1
- tabletnounB1
- tablewarenounB2
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
All four words describe flat surfaces, but they differ in typical use. A 'table' is a general-purpose piece of furniture with legs, used for meals, work, or display. A 'desk' is specifically designed for writing or computer work and usually includes drawers for storing office supplies. A 'counter' is a long, high surface found in kitchens (for food preparation) or shops (for serving customers) — people typically stand at a counter rather than sit. A 'bench' is a long, narrow table, often in a workshop, garden, or outdoor picnic area, commonly made of wood or metal. You sit at a table to eat dinner, work at a desk to write a report, stand at a counter to order coffee, and use a bench to pot plants in the garden.
Common collocations
Nouns
- table leg
- table top
- table surface
- table edge
- table setting
Phrases
- set the table
- clear the table
- lay the table
- wait at table
- turn the tables
Prepositions
- at the table
- on the table
- around the table
- across the table
- under the table
Etymology
The word 'table' comes from Latin 'tabula', meaning a board, a plank, or a writing tablet. It passed into English through Old French 'table'. The sense of 'a piece of furniture with a flat top' developed in Latin itself. The meaning 'an orderly arrangement of data' comes from the idea of writing on a tablet or board. The two opposite verb meanings — 'to propose' (British) and 'to postpone' (American) — both come from the image of putting something on or taking it off a meeting table, but the two sides of the Atlantic settled on opposite outcomes.