tableau

noun

tab·​leau ˈta-ˌblō  ta-ˈblō 

plural tableaux ˈta-ˌblōz 

ta-ˈblōz

also tableaus

1

: a graphic description or representation : picture

winsome tableaux of old-fashioned literary days

—J. D. Hart

2

: a striking or artistic grouping : arrangement, scene

3

[short for tableau vivant (from French, literally, living picture)] : a depiction of a scene usually presented on a stage by silent and motionless costumed participants

Examples of tableau in a Sentence

The houses are grouped together in a charming tableau.

Recent Examples on the Web

Describing the visual tableau of a tennis match is one of my favorite parts of writing about the sport. —Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 20 Aug. 2025

A day after the disaster struck, the camp was a tableau of devastation, the walls marked with slashes of mud several feet from the ground, showing how high the flood waters reached. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 6 July 2025

Every tableau is rich with detail, both natural and industrial, and set to a score that features synth-y original songs written by Glander and Miya Folick (who also voices Billy’s love interest, Rozebud). —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2025

Walkways crosshatch the sprawling space, immersing visitors in a stunning tableau that is both organic and otherworldly. —Alexandra Kirkman, Fortune, 22 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French tablel, diminutive of table, from Old French

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tableau

• tableau curtain

Rhymes for tableau

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

tableau

noun

tab·​leau ˈtab-ˌlō  ta-ˈblō 

plural tableaux -ˌlōz 

-blōz

also tableaus

: a scene or event shown by a group of persons in costume who remain silent and motionless