What does roundtable mean?
A roundtable is most commonly used for a meeting or discussion in which participants sit around a table and speak on equal terms. The word often carries the implication that discussion is open, informal, and designed to encourage cooperation rather than force a quick decision. Because it evokes the legendary table of King Arthur and his knights, it also suggests fellowship, equality, and shared purpose. Less commonly, it can refer simply to a circular table, or function as an adjective before words such as discussion or conference. A rare verb use means to hold or take part in a roundtable discussion. Overall, the term is more evocative than merely descriptive: it frames conversation as a gathering around a common table rather than a contest between opposing sides.
A meeting or discussion in which participants gather around a table, often as equals, to exchange views or seek agreement.
"The ministers held a roundtable to review the proposed changes."
The figurative sense is now dominant and commonly suggests open, cooperative discussion.
Relating to or constituting a roundtable discussion or meeting.
"The committee recommended a roundtable review of the policy."
Also written “round-table”; it frequently occurs before discussion, meeting, or conference.
To hold or participate in a roundtable discussion.
"Stakeholders roundtable before drafting the final recommendation."
This use is rare and occurs much less often than the noun.
The regular plural is used for individual meetings, forums, or discussion groups of this kind.
"The organization has hosted several roundtables on regional development."
A roundtable evokes King Arthur's legendary table, where knights gathered as equals rather than as opponents.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does roundtable come from?
The compound combines the English words “round” and “table.” Its literal sense is a table with a circular top, while its figurative sense developed from the image of people gathered around a table and speaking as equals. The expression also recalls the Round Table of King Arthur, the legendary table around which Arthur and his knights gathered; “round” derives through Old French from Latin rotundus, while words such as rotunda, rotary, and rotate continue related Latin roots.
Related word forms
How roundtable is actually used
In modern British and American usage, the closed form “roundtable” is especially common for a discussion or meeting; “round table” is also widely used, particularly for the physical object. The noun and adjective commonly convey informality, equality, and open discussion, while the verb is comparatively rare.
Easily confused with roundtable
A roundtable is a meeting or discussion, whereas a roundabout is usually a circular road junction or, figuratively, a circuitous route or process.