noun

upholstery

uhp-HOHLS-tuh-ree

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Upholstery (noun) means the soft covering, padding, and fabric used on furniture such as chairs and sofas. Example: “The car's leather upholstery still looked new.”

noun

The soft covering, padding, and fabric used on furniture such as chairs and sofas.

"The car's leather upholstery still looked new."

The trade of fitting furniture with padding and fabric.

"He learned upholstery from his father, who ran a furniture shop."

How to use upholstery

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe fabric and padding on furniture, or the craft of making it.

Common pairings

leather upholstery upholstery fabric car upholstery

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: upholsteries

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The car's leather _____ still looked new.

Etymology

First recorded in 1597, built from upholster plus the suffix -y.

· First attested 1597

Class of 1597 upholstery joined the language around 1597.

See the full Class of 1597 →

Rhymes for upholstery

very every fiery query leery artery celery bakery finery ornery misery watery

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Frequently asked questions

What does “upholstery” mean?

The word “upholstery” means the soft covering, padding, and fabric used on furniture such as chairs and sofas. In plain terms, the fabric and padding on furniture, or the craft of making it.

How do you pronounce “upholstery”?

“Upholstery” is pronounced uhp-HOHLS-tuh-ree (/ʌpˈhəʊlstəɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “upholstery” in a sentence?

Here is “upholstery” used in a sentence: “The car's leather upholstery still looked new.”

What part of speech is “upholstery”?

“Upholstery” is a noun.

Where does the word “upholstery” come from?

The word “upholstery” dates back to around 1597. First recorded in 1597, built from upholster plus the suffix -y.

How many meanings does “upholstery” have?

“Upholstery” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the soft covering, padding, and fabric used on furniture such as chairs and sofas.