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

On the Who’s Next side, the team has worked to create different tableaus within the expansive space. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024

But alongside these steady, quiet scenes of scientific progress, Joy is filled with more aggressive tableaus of protest and objection. —Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024

Sanya Malhotra and Sunny Kaushal enacted a musical tableau chronicling the journey of Indian cinema from 1913 to the present day. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Nov. 2024

Another layer sometimes captured ancient creatures in 3-D poses that resembled tableaus. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 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