tables

word · lemma: table

/ˈteɪbəɫz/
TAY-buhlz
/tˈeɪbəlz/
TAY-buhlz

Definition

Plural of 'table'. It usually means pieces of furniture with a flat top, but it can also mean charts or organized sets of information in rows and columns.

Usage & Nuances

Most often, 'tables' means furniture in everyday speech. In school, business, or science contexts, it often means data charts. Common combinations include 'kitchen tables', 'coffee tables', and 'data tables'. Be careful not to confuse it with the verb phrase 'to table' something, which has different meanings in different varieties of English.

Example Sentences

There are four tables in the classroom.

basic

The book is on one of the tables.

basic

These tables show the test results.

basic

We pushed the tables together to make more space for dinner.

natural

I compared the tables in the report before making a decision.

natural

Can you wipe down the tables after everyone leaves?

natural