Definition

1. Noun:

   • A piece of furniture: A piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, used for eating, writing, working, or placing things on.
   • A set of facts or figures: A set of facts or figures displayed systematically in rows and columns.
   • The people sitting at a table: The group of people assembled around a table for a meal or discussion.
   • Food provided at a meal: The food served or eaten at a meal.
   • A flat, elevated area of land: A flat-topped area of land with steep sides; a plateau or mesa.

2. Verb:

   • To formally present: To formally present something (like a proposal or motion) for discussion or consideration at a meeting.
   • To postpone discussion: (Primarily US) To decide to delay or postpone discussion or consideration of a proposal or piece of legislation.

Usage Examples

• Noun (furniture):
  • She put the book on the coffee table.
  • We need a larger dining table for our family.
• Noun (data set):
  • The results are summarized in Table 3 on page 15.
  • Please consult the multiplication table.
• Noun (people):
  • His joke had the whole table laughing.
• Noun (food):
  • They always keep an excellent table for their guests.
• Verb (to present):
  • The committee will table the report at the next meeting.
• Verb (to postpone - US):
  • The senator moved to table the amendment.

Advanced Usage

• "To turn the tables (on someone)": To reverse a situation so that you gain an advantage over someone who previously had an advantage over you.
  • After losing the first set, she turned the tables on her opponent and won the match.
• "To set the table": To arrange plates, cutlery, etc., on a table before a meal.
  • Could you help me set the table for dinner?
• "To clear the table": To remove dishes, cutlery, etc., from a table after a meal.
  • The children cleared the table after breakfast.
• "On the table": Offered for discussion or consideration.
  • All options are on the table for the budget review.

Variants and Related Words

• Tabling (n): The act of formally presenting something or postponing it.
  • The tabling of the motion sparked debate.
• Tableware (n): The dishes, glasses, and cutlery used for setting a table for a meal.
• Timetable (n): A schedule listing the times at which events are planned to occur.
• Tabletop (n): The flat, horizontal surface of a table.

Synonyms

• Noun (furniture): Desk, bench, counter.
• Noun (data): Chart, grid, schedule.
• Verb (present): Propose, submit, introduce.
• Verb (postpone): Defer, shelve, delay.

Phrasal Verbs

• Table something: This verb itself functions like a phrasal verb in its specific meanings (to present formally or to postpone).
  • They decided to table the issue until more data was available.

Related Idioms

• Under the table: Secretly and illegally, especially involving payments.
  • He was paid under the table to avoid taxes.
• Drink someone under the table: To be able to drink more alcohol than someone else without becoming as drunk.
  • In his youth, he could drink anyone under the table.
• Bring something to the table: To provide or contribute a useful skill, quality, or idea.
  • What unique experience does the new candidate bring to the table?

Noun

1. food or meals in general
   • she sets a fine table
   • room and board
2. a company of people assembled at a table for a meal or game
   • he entertained the whole table with his witty remarks
3. flat tableland with steep edges
   • the tribe was relatively safe on the mesa but they had to descend into the valley for water
4. a piece of furniture with tableware for a meal laid out on it
   • I reserved a table at my favorite restaurant
5. a piece of furniture having a smooth flat top that is usually supported by one or more vertical legs
   • it was a sturdy table
6. a set of data arranged in rows and columns
   • see table 1

Verb

1. arrange or enter in tabular form
2. hold back to a later time
   • let's postpone the exam