Main Entry: tab·leau

Pronunciation: \ˈta-ˌblō, ta-ˈblō\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural tab·leaux \-ˌblōz, -ˈblōz\ also tableaus

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

Date: 1660

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