A picnic table is a type of outdoor furniture designed for dining and socializing. It typically features a flat tabletop and attached benches, providing seating for multiple people. Picnic tables are commonly made from wood, metal, or plastic, and are often found in public parks, campgrounds, and other outdoor settings. They can also be used for private events such as backyard barbecues and family gatherings. One important aspect of picnic tables is their versatility. They can be used for a variety of activities beyond just dining, such as playing games or doing crafts. Additionally, they are often designed to be portable and easy to assemble, making them a convenient option for outdoor events. Another important consideration when it comes to picnic tables is their durability. Because they are intended for outdoor use, they must be able to withstand exposure to the elements, including sun, rain, and wind. This is why many picnic tables are made from materials such as pressure-treated wood or powder-coated metal, which are resistant to weather damage. Overall, picnic tables are a practical and versatile piece of outdoor furniture that can be used for a variety of activities. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, enjoying a picnic in the park, or just hanging out with friends, a picnic table provides a convenient and comfortable place to sit and socialize.
outdoor furniture, dining, socializing, versatility, portable, durability
The word Picknicktable can be classified as a compound noun. It is composed of two lexemes: picknick and table. Synonyms of this noun could include picnic table, outdoor table, garden table, and outdoor dining table. Antonyms include indoor table, indoor dining table, and kitchen table. Cognates of this word are found in a variety of Germanic languages, such as Dutch picknicktafel, German Picknicktisch, and Swedish picknickbord. Variants of the word Picknicktable include picnic table, picnic bench, picnic seating, and picnic desk.
etymology morphology language linguistics inflectional historical origin comparison cognates semantics
The word 'picknicktable' is an amalgamation of two previous words, 'picnic' and 'table'. Historically, the word 'picnic' is derived from the French word pique-nique, which in turn originated from the phrase 'piquer un nique' meaning 'to pick a louse'. This phrase was used to describe taking a louse from someone else's clothing. In later times, it came to refer to a group of people who gathered together for a meal and social gathering, for which the term 'picnic' was used in the early 19th century. The word 'table' is an ancient word of Middle English origin that was derived from the Latin tabula, meaning 'board'. When the two words are combined to make 'picknicktable', it can be seen as denoting a surface for the purpose of a meal, a picnic-style gathering, or both.
Etymology, Morphology, Pragmatics, Linguistic, Historical
Picknicktable is defined as a freestanding flat surface, typically with a tabletop and legs, used for eating meals outdoors. The term has historically been used in English contexts as a synonym for picnic table. Furthermore, in other languages and contexts, there are many different terms that describe this furniture item. In French, for instance, such a table is known as a “mange-debout” or “manger debout”, which can be translated to “eat standing”, referring to the fact that meals are typically shared at such tables while the diners are standing. In Italian, this item is referred to as “un tavolo da picnic”, while in German it is called “ein Picknicktisch”. Other terms used to describe this item in multiple languages include “banco da picnic” in Portuguese, “mesa de picnic” in Spanish, “banc pliant” in Dutch, and “μπανκο για πικνικ” in Greek.
Picknicktable, mange-debout, tavolo da picnic, Picknicktisch, banco da picnic, mesa de picnic, banc pliant, μπανκο για πικνικ
A picnic table is a flat-topped table with attached benches, designed for outdoor dining and entertaining. It is typically made of wood, metal, or plastic, and is used for outdoor meals, such as barbecues, birthday parties, and family gatherings. The table typically has two benches, one on either side, with seating for up to six people. Picnic tables are often found in public parks, campgrounds, and other outdoor settings. They are easy to assemble and often come with a carrying case for easy transport.
Picnic table, outdoor dining, benches, BBQ, entertaining, family gathering.
CITATION : "Robert Johnson. 'Picknicktable.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=186937 (Accessed on June 28, 2025)"
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