1ta·ble 
/ˈteɪbəl/ noun
plural tables /ˈteɪbəl/ noun [count] 1 a : a piece of furniture that has a flat top and one or more legs
▪ They were sitting at/around the dining/dinner table. ▪ She reserved a table for two at the restaurant. ▪ Please set the table for dinner. [=place plates, silverware, etc., on the table] — see also coffee table, end table
b : a piece of furniture with a flat surface that is designed to be used for a particular purpose
▪ a billiard/poker table — see also card table, drawing table, negotiating table, operating table 2 : a group of people who are sitting at a table
▪ He had the attention of the entire table. 3 : a collection of information that is arranged in rows and columns
▪ The table shows the salary of each employee. — see also multiplication table, periodic table, times table
▪ They were sitting at/around the dining/dinner table. ▪ She reserved a table for two at the restaurant. ▪ Please set the table for dinner. [=place plates, silverware, etc., on the table] — see also coffee table, end table
b : a piece of furniture with a flat surface that is designed to be used for a particular purpose
▪ a billiard/poker table — see also card table, drawing table, negotiating table, operating table
▪ He had the attention of the entire table.
▪ The table shows the salary of each employee. — see also multiplication table, periodic table, times table
at table
Brit : sitting at a table and eating a meal
▪ The whole family was at table.
▪ The whole family was at table.
lay/put (all/all of) your cards on the table — see 1card
on the table
: able to be considered or discussed
▪ All options are on the table. ▪ A new contract offer is on the table.
▪ All options are on the table. ▪ A new contract offer is on the table.
run the table
chiefly US 1 pool, billiards, etc. : to hit all the remaining balls into pockets without missing 2 informal : to win all the remaining games, points, etc.
▪ The team could run the table to win the league championship.
▪ The team could run the table to win the league championship.
table of contents — see 1content
turn the tables
: to change a situation completely so that you have an advantage over someone who previously had an advantage over you — often + on ▪ He turned the tables on his attacker and pinned him to the ground.
under the table 1 — used to describe a situation in which a worker is being paid in a secret and illegal way in order to avoid paying taxes ▪ They were paying her under the table. ▪ He's working under the table. 2 informal ◊To drink someone under the table means to drink more alcohol than someone else without becoming extremely drunk, unconscious, etc.
▪ He tried to drink me under the table.
▪ He tried to drink me under the table.
— see also water table
