A1noun1K

Table

UK /["/ˈteɪbl/"]/US /["/ˈteɪbl/"]/

Definition

a piece of furniture that consists of a flat top supported by legs

In simple words: A flat surface with legs that you can eat on or work at.

Examples

  • Please set the dishes on the table for dinner.
  • He wrote the list on a piece of paper and placed it on the table.
  • The teacher used a table to show the students how to sort the data.
  • They gathered around the table to discuss their plans.
  • We need a table that can fit all of us for the meeting.
  • I need to table this discussion until next week.
  • She decided to table her proposal for a later date.
  • He found a nice table that matched his style at the store.

Usage notes

The word 'table' can refer to a piece of furniture or to data organized in rows and columns. In formal contexts, be clear about its meaning. Avoid using in slang contexts unless talking about furniture.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'table' for holding things like food — imagine a dining table.

Collocations

  • big
  • high
  • huge
  • be seated around
  • be seated at
  • be seated round
  • be piled with something
  • be strewn with something
  • decorations
  • edge
  • leg
  • across the table
  • around the table
  • round the table
  • the centre/​center of the table
  • the middle of the table
  • the edge of the table
  • statistical
  • league
  • multiplication
  • compile
  • consult
  • see
  • show something
  • in a/​the table
  • the bottom of the table
  • the top of the table
  • statistical
  • league
  • multiplication
  • compile
  • consult
  • see
  • show something
  • in a/​the table
  • the bottom of the table
  • the top of the table

Synonyms

  • desk
  • board
  • surface
  • platform

Antonyms

  • chair
  • floor

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'tablet' — a device vs a piece of furniture.
  • Using 'tables' incorrectly when referring to multiple types of data formats.
  • Mispronouncing as 'tablee' instead of 'tay-bul'.