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 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 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 29 May. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!