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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- tableaux, tableaus
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Synonyms
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tableau vivant
Rhymes for tableau
See all rhymes for tableau →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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