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

Stroll Bristol’s State Street, divided by the Virginia-Tennessee state line, and explore a vibrant tableau of storefronts, lunch counters, and restaurants. —Madeline Weinfield, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2024

In spite of a glossy tableau and a fun twist on the story, Leatherface never really gets going. —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2024

In another, Interview’s Fashion Director Dara Allen poses and experiments with arm movements in front of a Parisian tableau. —Sam Falb, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2024

The 2024 Paris Olympics four-hour opening ceremony on July 24 launched the Summer Games and at one point featured a tableau of drag queens and dancers lined along a table. —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 July 2024

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

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