upholstery

noun up·hol·stery \ (ˌ)əp-ˈhōl-st(ə-)rē , (ˌ)ə-ˈpōl- \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Examples: upholstery in a Sentence

Definition of upholstery

plural upholsteries

: materials (such as fabric, padding, and springs) used to make a soft covering especially for a seat

See upholstery defined for English-language learners

See upholstery defined for kids

Examples of upholstery in a Sentence

an old chair that needs new upholstery
He learned upholstery from his father.

Recent Examples of upholstery from the Web

Stepanyan, whose eldest daughter regularly goes to Russia for odd jobs such as cleaning or babysitting, used to travel to Russia too for upholstery work.

— Washington Post, "Poverty-stricken Armenians pin hopes on opposition," 5 May 2018
In Louisiana, men are offered certificate programs such as collision repair and carpentry, while the women’s prison offers marketing management and upholstery, among others.

— adam harris, The Atlantic, "Women in Prison Take Home Economics, While Men Take Carpentry," 30 Apr. 2018
Surging demand for car upholstery has revived a once-faltering leather industry.

— marc vartabedian, latimes.com, "In Mexico's own Motor City, billion-dollar investments but also fear of Trump's trade moves," 23 Apr. 2018
Adding the SX Limited package also allows consumers to opt for bronze-and-black leather upholstery.

— greg fink, Car and Driver, "2019 Kia Optima: Slim and Trim Changes," 29 Mar. 2018
My Q60 was an eye-catching Dynamic Sunstone Red ($800), with stunning Gallery White semi-aniline upholstery, door panels, and armrests.

— emma jayne williams, star-telegram, "Infiniti’s updated Q60 sport coupe returns for 2018 with prices from $38,950-$54,000 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 5 Jan. 2018
There'll be new tile, upholstery, lights and wallpaper, and the bathrooms will be entirely remodeled and will be more accessible for patrons with disabilities.

— carol deptolla, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Ristorante Bartolotta in Wauwaosa is closing for remodeling Monday, will re-open in mid-June," 18 May 2018
The only off note is the editor in chief’s office, which looks out onto a backdrop of the New York City skyline and has the requisite pastel tones, velvet upholstery, black-and-white photographs, and Instagrammable bouquets of roses.

— sophie gilbert, The Atlantic, "Marti Noxon Wants to Put Angry Women on TV," 15 May 2018
Unlike secondhand smoke, which lasts for only a short time after a cigarette is consumed, thirdhand smoke can linger in the environment by sticking to clothing, upholstery, walls and other surfaces.

— karen kaplan, latimes.com, "This room was off-limits to smokers, but its air contained surprising amounts of 'thirdhand smoke'," 9 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'upholstery.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of upholstery

Middle English upholdester upholsterer, from upholden to uphold, from up + holden to hold

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1597

in the meaning defined above

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UPHOLSTERY Defined for English Language Learners

upholstery

noun

Definition of upholstery for English Language Learners

: the cloth, leather, etc., that covers a couch, chair, etc.
: the process or business of covering pieces of furniture with cloth, leather, etc.

UPHOLSTERY Defined for Kids

upholstery

noun up·hol·stery \ ˌəp-ˈhōl-stə-rē \

Definition of upholstery for Students

plural upholsteries

: materials used to make a soft covering for a seat

Learn More about upholstery

Spanish Central: Translation of upholstery Nglish: Translation of upholstery for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about upholstery

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upholstery

Definition of upholstery

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UPHOLSTERY Defined for English Language Learners

upholstery

Definition of upholstery for English Language Learners

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upholstery

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Origin and Etymology of upholstery

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