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

In fact, there's a variety of dining seating available, from two-top dining tables to longer eight-seaters, all of which are punctuated by rich leather upholstery and even a faux fireplace designed to evoke the city’s academic history. —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 11 Dec. 2024

As for the interior, it’s adorned with supple saddle leather upholstery in a rich toffee finish. —Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 3 Dec. 2024

Lucky for you, Amazon has a wide range of vacuums, mops, upholstery cleaners, sponges, air purifiers, and many other on-sale cleaning supplies thanks to Cyber Monday. —Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2024

The weathered faux leather upholstery shows a glossy finish, and the foam filling keeps you comfortable for long work hours. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 29 Nov. 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