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 result is a miniature tableau of landscape that moves with the seasons. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 July 2025

That interest in the everyday storytelling is exactly what resonated with Diane Challis Davy, longtime director of the famed Pageant of the Master, the annual summer show in Laguna Beach that recreates artwork as tableau vivants, or living pictures. —Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 9 July 2025

Made from 100% cotton, even takeout will feel like a Michelin star-worthy meal on this tableau. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 8 July 2025

Some students admitted that they were unsettled, and even moved, by the simple tableau of Heston weeping in front of the last symbol of an extinct civilization. —Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 10 July 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