round table

¹ American  

Also roundtable

noun

1. a number of persons gathered together for conference, discussion of some subject, etc., and often seated at a round table.

2. the discussion, topic of discussion, or the conference itself.

3. Arthurian Legend. Round Table,

   1. the table, made round to avoid quarrels as to precedence, about which King Arthur and his knights sat.

   2. King Arthur and his knights.

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round-table ² American  

[round-tey-buhl] / ˈraʊndˌteɪ bəl /

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to a conference, discussion, or deliberation in which each participant has equal status, equal time to present views, etc..

   round-table discussions.

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Round Table ¹ British  

noun

1. (in Arthurian legend) the table of King Arthur, shaped so that his knights could sit around it without any having precedence

2. Arthur and his knights collectively

3. one of an organization of clubs of young business and professional men who meet in order to further social and business activities and charitable work

4. (in New Zealand) an organization of businessmen supporting policies of the New Right

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round table ² British  

noun

1. 1. a meeting of parties or people on equal terms for discussion

   2. ( as modifier )

      a round-table conference

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Etymology

Origin of round table¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300

Origin of round-table²

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

I watch as she motions for the two girls to go sit at a round table tucked into the far corner.

From Literature

When Harriet tried to bring down Rachel during a dramatic round table, she wore a red cardigan and a red scarf.

From BBC

But both stayed true to each other and restored our faith in humanity - by one promise, to never write each others names on the black slate at the round table.

From BBC

More than 100 of Duffy's family gathered in Newry on Friday evening to watch their traitor live to see off another round table.

From BBC

To fail to come to a consensus at one round table is unfortunate.

From BBC