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

But as the lights come up, what first looks like an empty landscape transforms into a perfect tableau of a Kentucky skyline at dawn. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025

This tableau gives us more insight into what Lumon is looking to do with the chips. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025

Badia said Dublin’s fashion scene is a vibrant tableau of history meshed with contemporary boldness. —Fairchild Studio, WWD, 22 Feb. 2025

The scene is a horrifying tableau, but one somehow transmuted, by the camera’s unwavering focus and the doctor’s calm, soothing ministrations, into an incongruous vision of grace. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 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