(Greek mythology) A Phrygian king who was condemned to remain in Tartarus, chin-deep in water, with fruit-laden branches hanging above his head; whenever he tried to drink or eat, the water and fruit receded out of reach.

A stork of the genus Mycteria (formerly Tantalus), especially the American wood stork, Mycteria americana.

A stand in which to lock up drink decanters while keeping them visible.

Something of an evasive or retreating nature, something consistently out of reach; a tantalising thing.