communion table: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “communion table” mean?
A table in a Christian church, especially in Protestant traditions, used for the celebration of the Eucharist or Holy Communion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A table in a Christian church, especially in Protestant traditions, used for the celebration of the Eucharist or Holy Communion.
The physical furniture at which the bread and wine are consecrated and distributed during the Communion service. In some traditions, it is synonymous with 'altar', though 'altar' often carries more sacrificial or Catholic connotations, while 'communion table' emphasizes a communal meal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties, but 'altar' is a more common, generic term in American English across many denominations. 'Communion table' is more specifically associated with Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, and other Reformed traditions in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes Protestantism, simplicity, and a focus on the communal aspect of the sacrament rather than sacrificial ritual.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English due to the established presence of the Church of England and other Protestant denominations where the distinction from 'altar' is historically significant. In the US, 'altar' is often used interchangeably in many mainstream Protestant churches.
Grammar
How to Use “communion table” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] communion table stood [PREP. PHRASE of location].They placed the [OBJECT] on the communion table.The minister presided at/over the communion table.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “communion table” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The church will table the communion proposal next week. (Note: 'table' as a separate verb, not related to 'communion table')
American English
- The committee decided to table the motion. (Note: 'table' as a separate verb, not related to 'communion table')
adjective
British English
- The communion-table cloth needed laundering after the service.
American English
- They discussed the communion-table placement during the renovation meeting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in theological, liturgical, and historical studies of Christianity and church architecture.
Everyday
Rare in general conversation unless discussing church activities or architecture.
Technical
A specific term in ecclesiology, liturgy, and church furnishing design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “communion table”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “communion table”
- Using 'communion table' to refer to a regular dining table where a family eats. Confusing it with 'altar rail' or 'chancel step'. Spelling as 'communion tabel'. Using it as a verb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While often used interchangeably in some Protestant churches, 'altar' traditionally implies a place of sacrifice (common in Catholic, Orthodox, and High Anglican contexts), whereas 'communion table' emphasizes the meal aspect of the Eucharist and is preferred in many Reformed traditions.
No, it is exclusively a Christian liturgical term. Other religions have their own specific terms for similar furniture (e.g., altar, bimah, mandap).
During a service, it typically holds the communion elements (bread and wine/juice), a Bible, and sometimes candles or a cross. It is often covered with a white cloth.
Theological reasons. Churches in the Reformed tradition emphasize that Christ's sacrifice was once-for-all on the cross, so the Eucharist is a memorial meal of thanksgiving and fellowship, not a re-sacrifice. A table better represents this communal meal than an altar of sacrifice.
A table in a Christian church, especially in Protestant traditions, used for the celebration of the Eucharist or Holy Communion.
Communion table is usually formal, ecclesiastical in register.
Communion table: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈmjuːnɪən ˈteɪb(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈmjunjən ˈteɪb(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Come to the table (invitation to take Communion)”
- “Fellowship around the table”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of COMMUNITY + UNION around a TABLE -> the 'communion table' is where the community unites.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CHURCH IS A FAMILY (gathering for a meal at the family table). GOD'S PROVISION IS A MEAL.
Practice
Quiz
In which tradition is the term 'communion table' most specifically used?