plural tables
often attributive
1
a
: a piece of furniture consisting of a smooth flat slab fixed on legs
b(1)
: a group of people assembled at or as if at a table
(2)
: a legislative or negotiating session
the bargaining table
c(1)
: a supply or source of food
(2)
: an act or instance of assembling to eat : meal
sit down to table
2
a
: a systematic arrangement of data usually in rows and columns for ready reference
b
: a condensed enumeration : list
a table of contents
3
4
a
tables plural : backgammon
b
: one of the two leaves of a backgammon board or either half of a leaf
5
6
: something that resembles a table especially in having a plane surface: such as
a
: the upper flat surface of a cut precious stone see brilliant illustration
b(1)
(2)
: a horizontal stratum

table

2 of 3

verb

transitive verb

1
a
: to remove (something, such as a parliamentary motion) from consideration indefinitely
b
British : to place on the agenda
c
: to put on a table
2
: to enter in a table

table

3 of 3

adjective

1
: suitable for a table or for use at a table
a table lamp
2
: suitable for serving at a table
table grapes
3
: proper for conduct at a table
table manners
Phrases
off the table
: not up for consideration or negotiation
That option is now off the table.
on the table
: up for consideration or negotiation
the subject is not on the table
under the table
1
: into a stupor
can drink you under the table
2
: in a covert manner
took money under the table

Examples of table in a Sentence

Noun They were sitting at the dining table. She reserved a table for two at the restaurant. He had the attention of the entire table.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Secretary of Defense signaled that Ukrainian membership is off the table. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 Here is a world where carcasses sizzle on the grill, insects whir around sweat-glistening flesh, and pills are strewn on the table, as Rose begins imbibing a cocktail of mystery tablets prescribed to her by Gómez. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
The council’s citizen appointment to the Board of Health was tabled following Rivas’s nomination of former Councilwoman Sylvia Graham, a Democrat, which was seconded by Simms. Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025 That meeting will take place on Feb. 12 at 9 a.m. Since the committee opted not to approve the current format as is, many of the points discussed in the meeting were tabled. Danny Ventura, Boston Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
How to Do It: Start on your hands and knees in a table top position. Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 1 Aug. 2023 But catching mid-table Girona, buoyed by arguably this year’s shrewdest signing, is a better way to go. Henry Flynn, Forbes, 1 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for table 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English tabule & Anglo-French table; both from Latin tabula board, tablet, list

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of table was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near table

Cite this Entry

“Table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/table. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

table

1 of 2 noun
1
2
a
: a piece of furniture with a smooth flat top fixed on legs
b
: food served at a meal
c
: a group of people assembled at a table
3
a
: an orderly arrangement of facts or figures in rows or columns for quick reference
a table of weights
the multiplication table
b
: a short list
the table of contents
4

table

2 of 2 verb
1
2
: to remove a parliamentary motion from consideration for an unspecified period of time
3
: to put on a table

Medical Definition

1
: a piece of furniture consisting of a smooth flat slab fixed on legs
especially : one used for examining or operating
2
: either of the two layers of compact bone of the skull which are separated by cancellous diploe

More from Merriam-Webster on table

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!