noun

tableau

TA-bloh

Tableau (noun) means a vivid, striking scene or picture, especially one made up of a group of people or objects arranged as if for a painting. Example: “The wedding party froze in a tableau for the photographer.”

noun

A vivid, striking scene or picture, especially one made up of a group of people or objects arranged as if for a painting.

"The wedding party froze in a tableau for the photographer."

"The museum exhibit recreated the battle as a life-sized tableau."

A table or grid of data, or a distinct scene or section within a play, opera, or ballet.

"The researcher built a tableau comparing results across ten trials."

How to use tableau

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA frozen, picture-like scene, or more loosely, an arranged display of something.

Common pairings

a striking tableau frozen in a tableau a tableau of

Word forms

tableaux plural, tableaus plural

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Fill the gap

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The wedding party froze in a _____ for the photographer.

Etymology

From French tableau, going back to Old French tablel, meaning a flat surface used for painting.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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tableau vivant

Rhymes for tableau

au eau Tau pau Bau lau Mau Hau Yau Kau beau Frau

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Frequently asked questions

What does “tableau” mean?

The word “tableau” means a vivid, striking scene or picture, especially one made up of a group of people or objects arranged as if for a painting. In plain terms, a frozen, picture-like scene, or more loosely, an arranged display of something.

How do you pronounce “tableau”?

“Tableau” is pronounced TA-bloh (/tæˈbloʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “tableau” in a sentence?

Here is “tableau” used in a sentence: “The wedding party froze in a tableau for the photographer.”

What part of speech is “tableau”?

“Tableau” is a noun.

Where does the word “tableau” come from?

The word “tableau” comes from Old French. From French tableau, going back to Old French tablel, meaning a flat surface used for painting.

How many meanings does “tableau” have?

“Tableau” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a vivid, striking scene or picture, especially one made up of a group of people or objects arranged as if for a painting.

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