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

With their nonchalant subjects and relaxed tableaus, Laucht’s photographs possess that summery calmness in all its forms. —Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2024

Surrounded by the hard plainness, the entire tableau quietly refused change. —Ellyn Gaydos, Harper's Magazine, 25 June 2024

The chanteuse’s dress is, in fact, a combination of two of his previous designs: the skintight looks in the tableau that closed his final couture show at the Théâtre du Châtelet in 2020, and the corsets that peppered his spring 2012 tribute to Amy Winehouse. —Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 24 June 2024

Shooting Gallery — Between Red Eye Dan’s tombstone and the Shetland Stables in the tableau shooting scene. —Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 7 June 2024

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

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