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
J. D. Hart2
: 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
And, befitting the mood of most Dolfans, Hard Rock Stadum may present a gloomy tableau, with clouds and a good chance of stormy weather forecast, not to mention loud booing at the first three-and-out.
—Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
His backdrop was a colorful tableau of posters, a neon sign, and a dozing dog.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
Her collection is a tableau of teenage girlhood through the lens of her adolescence in Lima, Peru.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 15 Sep. 2025
When Lionel sits with his mother (Molly Price) in their farmhouse at night, the tableau of their faces in the dark looks like something from one of the Dutch masters.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tableau
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Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
His backdrop was a colorful tableau of posters, a neon sign, and a dozing dog.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
Her collection is a tableau of teenage girlhood through the lens of her adolescence in Lima, Peru.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 15 Sep. 2025
When Lionel sits with his mother (Molly Price) in their farmhouse at night, the tableau of their faces in the dark looks like something from one of the Dutch masters.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tableau
Cite this Entry
“Tableau.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tableau. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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