Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

tableful

[tey-buh l-foo l]
noun, plural ta·ble·fuls.
  1. the number of persons that can be seated at a table.
  2. the amount of food, dishes, etc., that a table can hold.
Show More

Origin of tableful

First recorded in 1525–35; table + -ful

Usage note

See -ful.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for tableful

Historical Examples

  • We found a tableful of handkerchiefs spread out for view at Duckford's.

    My Antonia

    Willa Cather

  • He is like a man glancing across the open pages of a tableful of books.

    Planet of the Damned

    Harry Harrison

  • In contrast to these good choquettes is this tableful of bad choquettes.

    The Story of Silk

    Sara Ware Bassett

  • Meanwhile, to entertain a tableful of strangers at lunch is an admirable gift.

    The Furnace

    Rose Macaulay

  • During the days of the week when they ate there was no other sort of meat on the table to satisfy the needs of all the tableful.