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
All set against the dramatic tableau of Camelback Mountain.
—Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Fittingly christened the Escale au Pont-Neuf, the métiers d’art pocket watch features a tableau of the French capital for a dial.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 4 June 2025
The problem is that most of Floyd Collins occurs in the action between tableaux, and there the show is quickly drained, both visually and dramaturgically, of its grip on our attention.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025
These tableaus create a sensory masterpiece: the Maeklong Railway Market.
—The Learning Network, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tableau
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Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Fittingly christened the Escale au Pont-Neuf, the métiers d’art pocket watch features a tableau of the French capital for a dial.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 4 June 2025
The problem is that most of Floyd Collins occurs in the action between tableaux, and there the show is quickly drained, both visually and dramaturgically, of its grip on our attention.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025
These tableaus create a sensory masterpiece: the Maeklong Railway Market.
—The Learning Network, New York Times, 19 May 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 10 Jun. 2025.
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