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

There’s something irresistible about this tableau of mismatched illustrations—the disparate drawing styles somehow find a perfect rhythm together. —Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025

In fact, the bright blue star Spica will also be a few degrees nearby, making for a lovely celestial tableau. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 7 Dec. 2025

The ghostly ruins, frozen in time, became a tableau that archaeologists have investigated since 1748. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Dec. 2025

In the showroom, the furniture and artworks are arranged in tableaux that feel like slices of rooms with distinct personalities. —Adrian Madlener, Curbed, 6 Dec. 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