upholstery

noun

up·​hol·​stery (ˌ)əp-ˈhōl-st(ə-)rē How to pronounce upholstery (audio)
(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 During his stewardship, the Italia received custom paint and upholstery work, and the enthusiastic owner also swapped a Buick V-8 and automatic transmission for the stock power train. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2023 The popular TikTok videos involve using laundry detergent pods to clean sofas, headboards, and other upholstery. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2023 Everything from bed frames to storage containers to footstools all came clad in the looped upholstery. Mia Mercado, Curbed, 15 Sep. 2023 One of Brandt’s friends, Sam Klemick, designed the piece, while the Italian sofa features original upholstery from the 1970s. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2023 The fireplace in the living area is also original, as is the open-shelving detail in the living area that Robbins restored and replicated in the study, which is now brighter thanks to a new window and dusty-pink linen upholstery that replaced some of the existing wood. Alyssa Bird, ELLE Decor, 7 Sep. 2023 Inside, the base model's cloth upholstery and standard equipment is based on the Ram 1500 Rebel. Austin Irwin, Car and Driver, 31 Aug. 2023 Shop the sleek seat in three frame colors and five upholstery options, all for 20% off through Sept. 20. Buy Side Staff, wsj.com, 7 Sep. 2023 Shop a variety of comfortable and stylish upholstery options, including pretty bouclé fabrics, vibrant velvets, faux leather and neutral linens. Good Housekeeping, 5 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'upholstery.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of upholstery was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near upholstery

Cite this Entry

“Upholstery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upholstery. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

upholstery

noun
up·​hol·​stery (ˌ)əp-ˈhōl-st(ə-)rē How to pronounce upholstery (audio)
(ˌ)ə-ˈpōl-
plural upholsteries
: materials (as fabric, padding, and springs) used to make a soft covering especially for a seat

More from Merriam-Webster on upholstery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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