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

Home coverage is increasingly framing the brown sofa as an alternative to the cool gray sofa, with brown upholstery paired against layered wood tones to bring that warmth deeper into a room. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026

When considering thrift store furniture with upholstery, always check the cushions and padding for unpleasant odors. — Felicia Feaster, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026

Inside, plastic gives way to brushed aluminum and Alcantara upholstery – a synthetic suede-like fabric– and the classic circular dials are reborn as digital displays set into a horizontal aluminum strip. — New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2026

Shoppers can save on big-ticket items like this Bissell carpet and upholstery cleaner that’s earned best-seller status and a Levoit tower fan that can offer a breeze during the in-between weather of early fall. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 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