Meaning & use
table service
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Meanings
noununcountable
A system in a restaurant where waiters bring food and drinks to customers seated at their tables.
Grammar: No plural; used for the system in general. For one instance, say 'a table service' (countable) in British English, but that is less common.
Patterns
- offer table service
- provide table service
- full table service
The restaurant offers full table service, so you don't have to get up to collect your food.
Many casual places now prefer counter service to table service to save on staff costs.
We chose the pub because it has table service and we wanted a relaxed meal.
nouncountableformal
A set of dishes, cutlery, and glasses used for serving a meal at a table.
Grammar: Countable; often used in the plural ('table services') to refer to multiple sets.
Patterns
- a silver table service
- a dinner table service
- a complete table service
The antique shop was selling a beautiful silver table service from the 19th century.
She inherited a complete table service for twelve people.
The museum displayed a royal table service made of gold and porcelain.
Common combinations
- full table service
- The bistro prides itself on full table service, with a waiter for every four tables.
- offer table service
- This cafe doesn't offer table service, so order at the counter.
- table service charge
- A 10% table service charge is added to the bill for parties of six or more.
- counter service
- Counter service is often faster than table service at lunchtime.
- table-service restaurant
- They opened a table-service restaurant in the city center.
Synonyms and how they differ
- waiter service
- A less common synonym, focusing on the waiters rather than the table; it is used in similar contexts but is not as standard.
- full service
- Broader; it can mean table service but also includes other amenities like a bar or valet parking.
Opposites
Word family
- table-service adjective
- Used before a noun to describe a place that has table service (e.g., 'a table-service cafe').
Commonly confused: table service or table setting? table service or silver service?
table service vs table setting
A table setting is the arrangement of plates, glasses, and cutlery for one person, not the whole service system.
table service vs silver service
Silver service is a more formal style of table service where food is served from a platter using a spoon and fork.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'table service' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Table service means waiters bring food to your table, so you don't have to order at the counter or bring your own plates. The other options describe self-service or other systems.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “table service”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.