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 composition slips in and out of deliberation, a tableau of buckets and plates concentrating energy, which the lighter detritus then loosens and disperses. — Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

This tableau appears encased by the windshield, as if under a glass bell. — Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026

From giant pumpkins to elaborate tableaux, the displays have taken on a life of their own, as locals and visitors crawl the city for the spookiest steps. — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

Yet there’s little more dramatic than the magical tableau of Ubud's jungle scenes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

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