Timetable

ˈtaɪmˌteɪb(ə)l

nounBeginnerCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A schedule or plan specifying the times at which things will happen.

ˈtaɪmˌteɪb(ə)l

nounneutralBeginner
General

A schedule of events or activities, typically a list of times.

Please check the timetable to see when the next bus arrives.

💡 Simply: It's like your daily planner, but it tells you what you need to do and when! Like, 'The movie timetable shows the showtimes.'

👶 For kids: A timetable is a list that tells you when things will happen, like when the bus comes or when school starts.

More Examples

2

The exam timetable has been released.

3

The project timetable was adjusted to accommodate the delay.

How It's Used

Education

"The school timetable lists the classes and activities for each day."

Transportation

"The train timetable shows departure and arrival times."

Business

"We need to adhere to the project timetable to meet the deadline."

2

To schedule or arrange (events) in a timetable.

ˈtaɪmˌteɪb(ə)l

verbneutralmedium
General

To schedule or plan something using a timetable.

The project manager timetabled the meetings for the next week.

💡 Simply: To plan things out so you know when everything's happening! 'Let's timetable the meeting for tomorrow at 2 pm.'

👶 For kids: To timetable something means to make a list that shows when things will happen.

More Examples

2

The school timetables all of the lessons and activities for the term.

3

The events were timetabled to be held on different days.

How It's Used

Project Management

"We need to timetable the tasks to ensure we finish the project on time."

Education

"The school timetables the classes at the beginning of the year."

Tip:To *timetable* is to put things into the schedule, into the *table* of *time*.

Idioms & expressions

behind schedule

Delayed; not on time.

"The project is behind schedule and needs extra resources."

ahead of schedule

Completed or planned to be completed earlier than planned

"The project is ahead of schedule, thanks to the team's efficiency."

on schedule

Happening or planned to happen at the correct time

"The construction project is on schedule."

From "time" + "table". The term emerged in the 19th century, initially referring to schedules for trains or public transport, eventually broadening to encompass any scheduled list of events or activities.

The term originally appeared in the early 19th century with the rise of railways. These timetables were simple listings of departure and arrival times.

Memory tip

Think of a table, but instead of food, it lists *time* for different events.

timetabeltime table

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written