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

While Ne Zha’s home of Chentang Pass is being obliterated, we’re shown a grim, apocalyptic tableau of mass death that features a family with a young child frozen in ash. —Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

Torches held by ancient hands would have given the tableau the illusion of movement. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025

Covering every visible wall—save for the dressing rooms, which feature a decorative curtain that continues Jardy's tableau— the mosaic immerses the space in a vision of Farm Rio's tropical world. —Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

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

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