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

The titular story is about an assassin who is having an extremely bureaucratic exchange with a recruit, explaining to him how best to arrange a tableau of dead bodies for maximum aesthetic effect. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025

Yet, there remains a wonderful dissonance to the tableau. —Kevin Sintumuang, Outside, 16 Dec. 2025

Church members, along with live animals, will recreate the tableau of Jesus’ birth in the manger. —Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025

This location showcases Cloud Dancer decor in partnership with Montblanc, transforming the lobby into a winter tableau. —Anne Bratskeir, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 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