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 interior, from the sports seats to the dashboard, is covered mainly in Black Onyx upholstery but also features red, white, and blue accents throughout. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2025

Armchairs, sectional sofas, and ottomans are all up for grabs, with plenty of upholstery colors available. —Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 6 Jan. 2025

After the war Chandler worked as a painter and wallpaper hanger and bought an upholstery business with his brother. —Audrey McAvoy, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025

Another evolved material that will fill the Jeep Wagoneer S is leatherette rather than leather upholstery. —Scotty Reiss, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

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