Definition

1. Noun:
   • A piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, used specifically for serving and eating meals: A dining table is the central piece of furniture in a dining room or area where people gather to eat.

Usage

• The word "dining table" is a compound noun. It specifically refers to the table used for dining. It is typically used with articles like "the," "a," or possessive pronouns.
• It is often contrasted with other types of tables, such as a coffee table, desk, or workbench.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We gathered around the dining table for a family dinner.
  • They bought a new oak dining table for their apartment.
  • Please set the dining table for six guests.

Advanced Usage

• "to clear the dining table": to remove dishes, food, and other items from the table after a meal.
  • After dessert, the children helped clear the dining table.
• "to set the dining table": to arrange plates, cutlery, glasses, etc., on the table in preparation for a meal.
  • She taught her son how to properly set the dining table.

Variants and Related Words

• Dining room (n): a room in a house or apartment where meals are eaten, typically containing a dining table.
  • Their formal dinners are held in the dining room.
• Dinner table (n): often used interchangeably with "dining table," though it can sometimes refer more specifically to the table when it is set for the evening meal.
  • Important family discussions often happened at the dinner table.

Synonyms

• Table: a more general term for a piece of furniture with a flat top.
• Board (archaic/literary): an old-fashioned or poetic term for a table, especially one used for serving food.
  • A feast was laid upon the board.

Related Phrases

• Head of the table: the position at a dining table, usually one end, reserved for the host or a person of honor.
  • The grandfather always sat at the head of the table.
• Table manners: the polite way to behave while eating at a table.
  • Good table manners are important for a formal meal.

Noun

1. a table at which meals are served
   • he helped her clear the dining table
   • a feast was spread upon the board