American English

How to pronounce table

noun · verbA1Very common word
TAYbl

/ˈtʰeɪ.bl̩/

2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.

A piece of furniture with a flat top and usually four legs, used for eating, working, or putting things on.

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Meanings & examples

noun

A piece of furniture with a flat top and usually four legs, used for eating, working, or putting things on.

The keys are on the table.

We bought a round table for the kitchen.

Good to know

Use at the table for sitting or eating there, but on the table for something physically resting on its surface.

Common phrases & grammar

dining table · kitchen table · coffee table · set the table

a/an + adjective + table

put + something + on + the table

noun

Information arranged in rows and columns.

The table shows our monthly expenses.

Please enter your answers in the table.

Common phrases & grammar

data table · comparison table · table of contents · summary table

the + table + shows + information

a table of + noun

noun

A place in a restaurant where people sit and eat.

We reserved a table for four.

Our table is near the window.

Common phrases & grammar

reserve a table · table for two · corner table · outdoor table

a table for + number + people

sit at + a + table

verbless common

To delay discussing or deciding something until a later time.

The board tabled the proposal until next month.

The committee tabled the plan until Friday.

Good to know

In American English, table a proposal means “postpone it.” In British English, it can mean “present it for discussion.”

Common phrases & grammar

table a proposal · table a motion · table a bill · table a plan

subject + tabled + object

table + object + until + time

Useful expressions

under the table

Secretly and often illegally, especially without reporting a payment.

They paid him under the table.

on the table

Available to be discussed or considered.

All options are still on the table.

table of contents

A list of the sections in a book and the pages where they begin.

The table of contents is at the front of the book.

Related words & forms

The final e is dropped before -ing: tabling, not tableing.