table

Universal Words noun, verb noun furniture 1 a piece of furniture that consists of a flat top supported by legs: a kitchen table * A table for two, please (= in a restaurant). * I'd like to book a table for tonight. * to set the table (= to put the plates, knives, etc. on it for a meal) * (BrE also) to lay the table * to clear the table (= take away the dirty plates, etc. at the end of a meal) * He questioned her next morning over the breakfast table (= during breakfast). * (BrE, formal) Children must learn to behave at table. * a table lamp (= one that stands on a table) * a billiard / snooker / pool table HELPNOTE There are many compounds ending in table. You will find them at their place in the alphabet. people 2 the people sitting at a table for a meal or to play cards, etc: He kept the whole table entertained with his jokes. seealsoROUND-TABLE list of facts / numbers 3 a list of facts or numbers arranged in a special order, usually in rows and columns: a table of contents (= a list of the main points or information in a book, usually at the front of the book) * Table 2 shows how prices and earnings have increased over the past 20 years. seealsoTHEPERIODICTABLE in sport 4 a list of sports teams, countries, schools, etc. that shows their position in a competition, etc: If Arsenal win this game they'll go to the top of the table. * school performance league tables mathematics 5 = MULTIPLICATIONTABLE: Do you know your six times table? seealsoTURNTABLE, WATERTABLE IDIOMS on the table 1 (BrE) (of a plan, suggestion, etc.) offered to people so that they can consider or discuss it: Management have put several new proposals on the table. 2 (especially AmE) (of a plan, suggestion, etc.) not going to be discussed or considered until a future date turn the tables (on sb) to change a situation so that you are now in a stronger position than the person who used to be in a stronger position than you moreatCARDn., DRINKv., WAITv. verb [VN] 1 (BrE) to present sth formally for discussion: to table a question in Parliament * They have tabled a motion for debate at the next Party Conference. 2 (AmE) to leave an idea, a proposal, etc. to be discussed at a later date: They voted to table the proposal until the following meeting.