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
Try remaining a sourpuss while assembling a Spielberg-worthy tableau for Brody, Hooper, Quint, and, of course, Bruce the shark.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on Saturday night, and director Dylan Southern revealed the album's role in influencing a striking tableau in the film during a post-screening Q&A.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Jan. 2025
The camera tilts down to some blood-red roses with prickly stems set against a white picket fence, a tableau that is followed by shots of a fire truck, more flowers and children.
—Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
This collaboration breathes fresh energy into the genre, creating a vivid tableau of love, deception, and undercover pursuits.
—Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tableau
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Joe Reid, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on Saturday night, and director Dylan Southern revealed the album's role in influencing a striking tableau in the film during a post-screening Q&A.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Jan. 2025
The camera tilts down to some blood-red roses with prickly stems set against a white picket fence, a tableau that is followed by shots of a fire truck, more flowers and children.
—Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
This collaboration breathes fresh energy into the genre, creating a vivid tableau of love, deception, and undercover pursuits.
—Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 17 Jan. 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 17 Mar. 2025.
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