Definition

Noun: A large table, typically long and rectangular, designed for and used by a group of people to sit around and hold formal discussions, meetings, or conferences.

Usage

The term "conference table" specifically refers to the physical piece of furniture where a meeting takes place. It is the central object in a meeting room.

Examples

• The executives gathered around the conference table to discuss the quarterly results.
• Please place the documents in the center of the conference table before the meeting starts.
• The new boardroom features a large oak conference table that seats twelve people.

Advanced Usage

• "to sit at the conference table": To be a participant in a formal meeting or negotiation.
  • After months of dispute, both parties finally agreed to sit at the conference table.
• "around the conference table": Describes the typical arrangement of people during a meeting.
  • Ideas were exchanged freely by everyone seated around the conference table.

Variants and Related Words

• Meeting table: A more general term for a table used for meetings, which may be less formal than a conference table.
• Boardroom table: Often synonymous with a conference table, but specifically implies the table in a board of directors' meeting room.
• Negotiating table: This phrase refers to the concept of a place where negotiations happen, which is often literally a conference table. (Note: This is a related phrase, not a variant of the word itself).

Synonyms

• Board table
• Council table
• Meeting table

Related Phrases

• Table of conference: An uncommon, more formal phrasing with the same meaning.
• To bring to the table: An idiom meaning to contribute an idea, skill, or resource to a discussion or negotiation. While related to the setting, it does not refer to the physical object itself.
  • Each department head was asked to bring new ideas to the table.

Noun

1. the table that conferees sit around as they hold a meeting