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
J. D. Hart2
: 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
At Wembley the previous March, Newcastle fans had won the weekend in London, turning Trafalgar Square into a boozy tableau of black-and-white mayhem, but the team had scarcely turned up for their Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The latter inspired the presentation setting, a reproduction of different vignettes and tableau vivants scattered across the rooms of the restaurant, while the pattern decked many of the spring lineup’s new addition.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
And, befitting the mood of most Dolfans, Hard Rock Stadum may present a gloomy tableau, with clouds and a good chance of stormy weather forecast, not to mention loud booing at the first three-and-out.
—Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
His backdrop was a colorful tableau of posters, a neon sign, and a dozing dog.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tableau
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George Caulkin, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The latter inspired the presentation setting, a reproduction of different vignettes and tableau vivants scattered across the rooms of the restaurant, while the pattern decked many of the spring lineup’s new addition.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
And, befitting the mood of most Dolfans, Hard Rock Stadum may present a gloomy tableau, with clouds and a good chance of stormy weather forecast, not to mention loud booing at the first three-and-out.
—Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
His backdrop was a colorful tableau of posters, a neon sign, and a dozing dog.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tableau
Cite this Entry
“Tableau.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tableau. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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