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 foam filling is wrapped in durable outdoor fabric that has all the makings of polished upholstery. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2026

No matter the age of your car, nothing freshens up a vehicle interior like clean upholstery and a dirt-free floor. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026

Revealed earlier this year, the interior is a celebration of tactility, from its solid metal switchgear and analogue dials, to its simplistic, almost retro steering wheel and plush leather upholstery bathed in ambient lighting. —Alistair Charlton, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

The visible grain wood frame and geometric meets plaid upholstery give it a charming feel. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 23 May 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