TABLE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
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table
1 of 3noun
ta·ble ˈtā-bəl plural tables often attributive Synonyms 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 sense 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 stratumtable
2 of 3verb
tabled ; tabling ˈtā-b(ə-)liŋtransitive 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 tabletable
3 of 3adjective
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 tableSynonyms
Noun
board See All Synonyms & Antonyms in ThesaurusExamples 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. See More 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 Reforms on the table include how to give greater roles to women in the Catholic Church, including ordaining them as deacons, and the greater inclusion of non-clergy members in governance and decision making. Christopher Lamb, CNN , 22 Mar. 2025 Rilling said the process is very collaborative, with individuals bringing their unique views to the table . Michelle Fox, CNBC , 21 Mar. 2025 Verb Since the commission did not table a motion to rezone the properties, the Fort Worth City Council will vote on the zoning March 25. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram , 12 Mar. 2025 Those measures failed on partisan lines, though Republicans have tabled them for later consideration. Alex Derosier, Twin Cities , 8 Mar. 2025 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 tableWord History
EtymologyNoun
Middle English, from Old English tabule & Anglo-French table ; both from Latin tabula board, tablet, list
First Known UseNoun
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 See more words from the same centuryPhrases Containing table
at table bed table card table changing table cocktail table coffee table coffee - table book console table contingency table dinner table drawing table dressing table drink (someone) under the table end table examination table gateleg table head table high table lay on the table lay / put (all / all of) one's cards on the table league table life table light table Lord's table mortality table multiplication table night table operating table Parsons table Pembroke table periodic table picnic table pier table pin - table plane table refectory table round table run the table sand table side table steam table sweep the table table d'hôte table football table - hop table linen table manners table mat table of organization table rapping table salt table soccer table sugar table talk table tapping table tennis table top table wine tea table the negotiating table times table training table trestle table truth table wait at table water table See MoreRhymes for table
able chaebol fable label sable stabile stable allocable educable integrable purchasable thermostable See All Rhymes for tableBrowse Nearby Words
tablature table tableau See all Nearby WordsArticles Related to table
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Knowledge is just the appetizer.Cite this Entry
Style MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster“Table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/table. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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Kids Definition
table
1 of 2 noun ta·ble ˈtā-bəl 1 : tablet sense 1a 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 : plateau sense 1table
2 of 2 verb tabled ; tabling -b(ə-)liŋ 1 : tabulate 2 : to remove a parliamentary motion from consideration for an unspecified period of time 3 : to put on a tableMedical Definition
table
noun ta·ble ˈtā-bəl 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 diploeMore from Merriam-Webster on table
Nglish: Translation of table for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about table
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