How to pronounce table
Say it like TAY-bul. Table has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAY).
- TAY
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Table pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of table
American and British speakers say table in essentially the same way: /ˈteɪbəl/ in the US and /ˈteɪbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: TAY-bul.
What does table mean?
- An item of furniture with a flat top surface raised above the ground, usually on one or more legs.“Set that dish on the table over there, please.”
- A flat tray which can be used as a table.
- A supply of food or entertainment.“The baron kept a fine table and often held large banquets.”
- To tabulate; to put into a table or grid.“to table fines”
- To put on the table of a commission or legislative assembly; to propose for formal discussion or consideration, to put on the agenda.
- To remove from the agenda, to postpone dealing with; to shelve (to indefinitely postpone consideration or discussion of something).“The legislature tabled the amendment, so they will not be discussing it until later.”
Where does table come from?
Inherited from Middle English table, tabel, tabil, tabul, from Old English tabele, tabul, tablu, tabule, tabula (“board”); also as tæfl, tæfel, an early Germanic borrowing of Latin tabula (“tablet, board, plank, chart”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with table
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of table.
Questions about saying table
How do you pronounce table?
Say TAY-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˈteɪbəl/. In British English it is /ˈteɪbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in table?
Table has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAY). Broken into parts: TAY · bul.
Do Americans and Brits say table the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈteɪbəl/ and the British form is /ˈteɪbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.