tableau

noun

tab·​leau ˈta-ˌblō How to pronounce tableau (audio) ta-ˈblō How to pronounce tableau (audio)
plural tableaux ˈta-ˌblōz How to pronounce tableau (audio)
ta-ˈblōz
 also tableaus
Synonyms of tableaunext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a gross tableau, Loomer stood with Donald Trump at 9/11 commemorations last year. — Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025 Archaeologists believe that in this case, the figures were likely used in a tableau, and the figures would be placed in certain positions to re-enact scenes or events to convey messages. — Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025 Focusing on themes of migration, the new works will continue the Kenyan British artist’s long concern with depicting various tableaux of Kenyans and current events in the country that have a surrealist, dream-like quality to them. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 20 Mar. 2025 There was speculation that the scene was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting The Last Supper, depicting Jesus’s last meal with the 12 apostles, which in turn sparked claims that the tableau was an insult to the Christian faith. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tableau

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tableau was in 1660

Phrases Containing tableau

Rhymes for tableau

See All Rhymes for tableau

Browse Nearby Words

table
tableau
tableau curtain
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Cite this Entry

“Tableau.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tableau. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

tableau

noun
tab·​leau ˈtab-ˌlō How to pronounce tableau (audio) ta-ˈblō How to pronounce tableau (audio)
plural tableaux -ˌlōz How to pronounce tableau (audio)
-blōz
 also tableaus
: a scene or event shown by a group of persons in costume who remain silent and motionless

More from Merriam-Webster on tableau

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tableau

Nglish: Translation of tableau for Spanish Speakers

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