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
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
All five principals are first glimpsed in the opening scene — a performance piece starring Alex as Christ on the cross — and all are united in a gorgeous train station tableau near the end.
—Ben Kenigsberg, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
But his eye is unfailingly compassionate, and at times his scenes can summon the power of a religious tableau.
—Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2024
But my eye was drawn to the angular structure on the hillside above the water, the only small interruption to an otherwise pristine Caribbean tableau.
—Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tableau 
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Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
All five principals are first glimpsed in the opening scene — a performance piece starring Alex as Christ on the cross — and all are united in a gorgeous train station tableau near the end.
—Ben Kenigsberg, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
But his eye is unfailingly compassionate, and at times his scenes can summon the power of a religious tableau.
—Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2024
But my eye was drawn to the angular structure on the hillside above the water, the only small interruption to an otherwise pristine Caribbean tableau.
—Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2024
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 30 Jan. 2025.
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