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
Sometimes only the tops of other skyscrapers are visible, poking through the clouds in an otherworldly tableau.
—Dionne Searcey, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Temp in teens should make for classic Lambeau tableau, though sans the snow.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
Fish fillets from my brother, peaches for a future cobbler, and biscuits ideal for Sunday brunch added to the sumptuous tableau.
—Danny Heitman, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Nov. 2024
The stars were being arranged on a tableau set and Randolph had started getting emotional realizing she was surrounded by so many Hollywood power players.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tableau 
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Dionne Searcey, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Temp in teens should make for classic Lambeau tableau, though sans the snow.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
Fish fillets from my brother, peaches for a future cobbler, and biscuits ideal for Sunday brunch added to the sumptuous tableau.
—Danny Heitman, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Nov. 2024
The stars were being arranged on a tableau set and Randolph had started getting emotional realizing she was surrounded by so many Hollywood power players.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tableau
Dictionary Entries Near tableau
Cite this Entry
“Tableau.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tableau. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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