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

Solution: Check The Piece Before Buying Having selected many pieces of furniture in her days as a designer, Ray reveals that there’s a sure-fire way to tell if a piece of upholstery is quality enough to consider buying. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025

Many of us use handheld lint rollers to keep our outfits and upholstery lint-free. —Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025

Wow Factor: Even in the entry level model, the Camry feels pretty luxe with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, and leatherette upholstery. —Scotty Reiss, Parents, 6 Feb. 2025

Unlike larger options, this handheld vacuum can reach between couch cushions, lift up hair from thick upholstery, and make its way into the remote corners of a room. —Shea Simmons, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025

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