English Reference

Word

tables

Phoneticsta·bles, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈteɪbəɫz/

UK/tˈeɪbəlz/

Definitions

01furniture

A1 · Beginner Plural noun

n. more than one piece of furniture with a flat top and legs.

n. plural instances of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, used for eating, writing, or working.

“The restaurant has ten tables inside and five more on the patio.”

“The carpenters delivered the handmade oak tables just in time for the grand opening of the new dining hall.”

Synonyms

desksworktops

02data or lists

A2 · Elementary Plural noun

n. lists of facts or numbers arranged in rows and columns.

n. systematic arrangements of data, usually in rows and columns for easy reference.

“You can find the price changes in the tables at the back of the report.”

“The researcher included several statistical tables to illustrate the correlation between urban density and public transport usage.”

03multiplication

A2 · Elementary Plural noun Mathematics

n. the lists of numbers you learn in school to help you multiply.

n. a set of facts about the results of multiplying numbers together, typically memorised by students.

“The children are practicing their seven times tables this week.”

“Mastering multiplication tables at a young age provides a necessary foundation for more complex mental arithmetic later in life.”

Synonyms

multiplication tablestimes tables

04to present for discussion

B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal

v. to officially suggest a plan or idea so that people can talk about it.

v. to formally present a proposal or document for discussion or a vote; used in the third-person singular.

“The minister tables a new report on education every year.”

“The chairperson tables the motion for the committee's consideration, though a final vote is not expected until the next session.”

Usage

In British English, this means to bring a topic forward; in American English, it can mean to postpone it.

Teaching tip

Note the regional difference: a British committee 'tables' a motion to start a debate, while an American one might 'table' it to stop the debate.

Antonyms

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Common
Level
A1 · Beginner
Updated

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English Reference