upholstery

noun

up·​hol·​stery (ˌ)əp-ˈhōl-st(ə-)rē 

(ˌ)ə-ˈpōl-

plural upholsteries

: materials (such as fabric, padding, and springs) used to make a soft covering especially for a seat

Examples of upholstery in a Sentence

an old chair that needs new upholstery

He learned upholstery from his father.

Recent Examples on the Web

Quirky touches include plaid upholstery, fabric door-pull straps and a removable storage basket 3D-printed from bio-plastic and wood. — New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026

Warm walnut, rich performance upholstery, and brushed metal details give the pieces a distinctly executive feel without making your home office feel like a corporate cubicle. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026

That’s not to say there aren’t common elements—maximalist silk and velvet prints on the upholstery, fearless color when the fabrics are solid, blond herringbone wood floors, white marble in the bathroom. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

If your vacuum cleaner is fried, grab these deals on this Levoit cordless vacuum (the LVAC-200 model) and everyone’s favorite rug and upholstery cleaner, the Little Green Machine. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English upholdester upholsterer, from upholden to uphold, from up + holden to hold

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

upholstery

noun

up·​hol·​stery (ˌ)əp-ˈhōl-st(ə-)rē 

(ˌ)ə-ˈpōl-

plural upholsteries

: materials (as fabric, padding, and springs) used to make a soft covering especially for a seat