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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The exterior is Halcyon’s Arboretum Green, which is reflective of the region’s own verdant environment, while the interior serves as complement with tan upholstery and trim of open-poor wood for a decidedly grounding aesthetic. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2026 After the vibrant color palette of the 1980s, the 1990s ushered in a more subdued vibe, with dusty mauves, cool teals, and grayish pastels dominating everything from walls to upholstery. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026 The performance upholstery is durable enough to withstand all weather conditions, even a poolside splash. Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026 Vacuum Thoroughly Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum and work across the entire mattress surface. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for upholstery

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upholstery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upholstery. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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

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