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 subtle yellows and rust oranges of the upholstery match the shades of the rising sun, with terracotta mugs at the tea and coffee counter and bright pops of red from the centre tables in the living area. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Customize your piece by choosing between a cushioned or teak armrest, and a range of fadeproof Sunbrella upholstery colors. —Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2026

Available in beige, brown, and chestnut upholstery options. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 23 Apr. 2026

There, sequel stars Streep, Blunt, Tucci, and Lucy Liu, as well as its scene stealers like Justin Theroux and BJ Novack, continued to enjoy their evening in a more intimate setting, complete with plush carpets and crushed upholstery. —Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 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