tableau

noun

tab·​leau ˈta-ˌblō  ta-ˈblō 

plural tableaux ˈta-ˌblōz 

ta-ˈblōz

also tableaus

1

: a graphic description or representation : picture

winsome tableaux of old-fashioned literary days

—J. D. Hart

2

: a striking or artistic grouping : arrangement, scene

3

[short for tableau vivant (from French, literally, living picture)] : a depiction of a scene usually presented on a stage by silent and motionless costumed participants

Examples of tableau in a Sentence

The houses are grouped together in a charming tableau.

Recent Examples on the Web

Another shopper’s tableau included retro yard furniture, a metal ice-cream bucket, corroded playground animals, a shamrock sign, a butter roller, a Hoosier cabinet, and, literally, a kitchen sink. —Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024

French authorities have also opened an investigation into death threats made against Jolly over the tableau, Reuters reports. —EW.com, 3 Aug. 2024

Some thought such a strong response was weird, pointing out that the tableau was actually a nod to the Greek god Dionysus. —Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 2 Aug. 2024

In a series of 12 tableaux capturing the French spirit, Jolly and his collaborators ran riot with French cultural and historical references, juxtaposing tradition and modernity, and embracing diversity and inclusion. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French tablel, diminutive of table, from Old French

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tableau

• tableau curtain

Kids Definition

tableau

noun

tab·​leau ˈtab-ˌlō  ta-ˈblō 

plural tableaux -ˌlōz 

-blōz

also tableaus

: a scene or event shown by a group of persons in costume who remain silent and motionless