noun

upholstery

uhp-HOHLS-tuh-ree

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

Word forms

upholsteries plural

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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.

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Rhymes for upholstery

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

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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.