timetable

timetable — noun

1. a written plan stating what time each part of a project, event, or series of tas

1.nounB1
Definition

a written plan stating what time each part of a project, event, or series of tasks is scheduled to happen

Example

The project manager shared the timetable for the new building with the whole team.

collocation: timetable for [project]

According to the timetable, the final report must be submitted by Friday.

according to + timetable

Common collocations
  • draw up a timetable
  • follow a timetable
  • tight timetable
  • work to a timetable
  • set a timetable
  • timetable for completion
Synonyms
  • schedule

    more general; a schedule can be less detailed than a timetable

  • timeline

    focuses on the order and duration of events rather than exact times

  • agenda

    used for meetings; lists items to discuss, not necessarily with times

  • programme

    British spelling; often used for events, performances, or conferences

Grammar Patterns

timetable + of + noun phrase

timetable + for + noun phrase

on the timetable

according to the timetable

Usage Note

Often used in project management, event planning, and formal contexts. A timetable is usually more detailed and fixed than a general schedule.

Common Mistakes

I need to look at my timetable of the day.
I need to look at my daily timetable.
Use an adjective like 'daily' before 'timetable' rather than 'of the day'.

2. information printed on paper or shown on a screen that tells people when transpo

2.nounB1
Definition

information printed on paper or shown on a screen that tells people when transport services are scheduled to depart and arrive

Example

Yara looked at the train timetable to see when the last service to Taipei left.

collocation: train timetable

The bus timetable on the wall said the number 42 bus would arrive in ten minutes.

timetable + said + [time detail] (personification)

Common collocations
  • check the timetable
  • train timetable
  • bus timetable
  • flight timetable
  • timetable change
  • timetable information
Synonyms
  • schedule

    the preferred term in American English for transport times

  • departure board

    refers specifically to the electronic or printed display at a station or airport

Grammar Patterns

timetable + of + noun phrase

bus / train / flight timetable

check the timetable

Usage Note

In the UK and many Commonwealth countries, 'timetable' is the standard word for transport schedules. In the US, 'schedule' is more common.

Common Mistakes

The flight timetable said the plane will departed at 8 a.m.
The flight timetable said the plane would depart at 8 a.m.
After 'said', use 'would' (not 'will') for reported information about a planned time.

3. a schedule used at a school that shows which subjects are taught in each lesson

3.nounB1
Definition

a schedule used at a school that shows which subjects are taught in each lesson period of the day or week

Example

Hiro's school timetable showed maths first thing every Monday and Wednesday.

possessive: [name]'s timetable

Amihan checked her timetable to see which classroom she should go to.

Common collocations
  • school timetable
  • weekly timetable
  • check your timetable
  • timetable change
  • timetable slot
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

school / class / weekly timetable

timetable + for + noun phrase

on the timetable

Usage Note

This is the standard term in British and Commonwealth schools. In American English, 'class schedule' or simply 'schedule' is more common.

Common Mistakes

I have a busy timetable today at school.
I have a busy timetable at school today.
Place time adverbials ('today') after the noun phrase, not between 'timetable' and 'at school'.

timetable — verb

Word family

  • timetabling
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words relate to planned sequences, but they differ in scope and use. A 'timetable' is the most fixed and detailed — it shows exact times for each item and is common in transport, education, and project contexts. A 'schedule' is more flexible and widely used in American English; it can show times but also general plans without strict timing. A 'timeline' focuses on the order and duration of events rather than precise clock times — useful for historical events or project phases. An 'agenda' is limited to meetings or formal gatherings; it lists topics to discuss, often with time allocations. A 'programme' (UK spelling) is used for events, performances, or conferences and includes the sequence of activities. For example: 'The conference timetable showed every session from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.' but 'The meeting agenda listed three items under "Any other business."'

schedule ↗timeline ↗agenda ↗programme ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • according to timetable
  • behind timetable
  • ahead of timetable
  • tight timetable
  • timetable clash

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishLatinEnglish

The word 'timetable' is a compound of 'time' (from Old English 'tīma', meaning a period or season) and 'table' (from Old English 'tabule', via Latin 'tabula', meaning a board, list, or chart). It first appeared in the early 19th century, around the 1830s, when the expansion of railway networks created a need for printed schedules showing train departure and arrival times. The term later broadened from transport schedules to include any organised plan of events by time.