# table

/ˈteɪbəɫ/ (US) · /tˈeɪbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/table
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. furniture

noun · CEFR A1

a piece of furniture with a flat top and legs, used for eating, writing, or working.

For teachers: a piece of furniture consisting of a flat top supported by one or more legs, used as a surface for various activities.

- We all sat around the large wooden table for Sunday dinner.
- The designer selected a minimalist glass table to ensure the small dining area felt open and uncluttered.

### 2. data display

noun · CEFR A2

a list of facts or numbers arranged in rows and columns.

For teachers: a systematic arrangement of data, typically in rows and columns, for easy reference or analysis.

- The second table in the report shows how much prices have risen.
- The researcher compiled the survey results into a comprehensive table to highlight the correlation between income and education levels.

### 3. group of people

noun · CEFR B1

the people sitting together at a table.

For teachers: a metonymic reference to the group of people seated at a table for a meal or discussion.

- The whole table laughed when he told the joke.
- The waiter noticed that table four had been waiting for their drinks for over twenty minutes.

### 4. to propose (UK) or postpone (US)

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to suggest an idea for discussion; in American English, it can also mean to stop discussing something.

For teachers: to submit a motion or report for discussion. Note the regional contronym: in British English it means to 'bring forward', while in American English it means to 'shelve' or 'postpone'.

- The committee decided to table the new proposal until the next meeting.
- The opposition member intended to table an amendment, but the chairperson ruled that the motion was out of order.

Usage: In the US, this verb is usually transitive and implies delaying a topic; in the UK, it implies initiating a topic.

Teaching tip: This is a famous 'false friend' between British and American English. Always clarify the intent in international meetings to avoid confusion.

## Examples

- Please put the plates on the kitchen table.
- The researcher organized the survey results into a clear table so the team could compare the different age groups.
- While the physical table in the boardroom was large enough for twelve people, the digital table on the screen showed that only half of them had met their targets.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.