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

The velvet upholstery frame comes in five colors, including green, black, white, pink, and navy blue, and in full, queen, and king sizes. —Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 20 May 2025

The 360-degree swivel base adds functionality, while the velvet upholstery brings a hint of drama. —Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2025

In another sitting room, a silk chair that somehow looked both new and old, strewn with patches of different upholstery fabric. —Nicole Stanton, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025

Bring that palette into the pillows, into the upholstery of a chair, or into your bedding. —Eleni N. Gage, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025

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