table-flap

A family lifts the table-flap to make room for more guests.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hinged leaf or extension of a table: A "table-flap" is a movable, hinged section of a tabletop that can be raised to extend the surface area or lowered to reduce it. It is commonly found on drop-leaf tables or folding tables.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The old dining table has a table-flap on each side, which can be lifted to seat more guests. (A hinged extension that increases the table's surface.)
  • When not in use, the table-flap is folded down to save space in the small kitchen. (The leaf is lowered to make the table smaller.)

Advanced Usage

• "to raise the table-flap": to lift the hinged section to expand the table.

  • Before the party, we raised the table-flap to create more room for food. (We lifted the leaf to enlarge the tabletop.)

• "to lower the table-flap": to fold down the hinged section to reduce the table's size.

  • After dinner, she lowered the table-flap to make the room feel less crowded. (She folded the leaf down.)

Variants and Related Words

• Drop-leaf table (n): a table with one or more hinged leaves (table-flaps) that can be raised or lowered.

  • The drop-leaf table in the hallway has a single table-flap on one side. (A table with a movable leaf.)

• Flap (n): a piece of material or a hinged part that covers or extends something.

  • The flap of the envelope was sealed shut. (A covering piece.)

Synonyms

• Leaf: a hinged or detachable section of a table used to extend its surface.

  • We added a leaf to the table for the holiday dinner. (A table extension.)

• Extension: a part that increases the length or area of something.

  • The table's extension allows it to seat eight people. (A part that enlarges the table.)

Related Idioms