tableau

[ta-bloh, tab-loh]

noun

plural

tableaux, tableaus 

1. a picture, as of a scene.

2. a picturesque grouping of persons or objects; a striking scene.

3. a representation of a picture, statue, scene, etc., by one or more persons suitably costumed and posed.

4. Solitaire.,  the portion of a layout to which one may add cards according to suit or denomination.

tableau

/ ˈtæbləʊ /

noun

1. See tableau vivant

2. a pause during or at the end of a scene on stage when all the performers briefly freeze in position

3. any dramatic group or scene

4. logic short for semantic tableau

Word History and Origins

Origin of tableau¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; from French: “board, picture,” Middle French tablel, diminutive of table table

Word History and Origins

Origin of tableau¹

C17: from French, from Old French tablel a picture, diminutive of _table

Example Sentences

The overeager holiday helper — that perennial character in the Thanksgiving tableau.

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It can all seem so flawless in that golden moment before the guests arrive, though the presence of actual people quickly complicates any Thanksgiving tableau.

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“We have made three tableaux vivant of ancient Rome,” Alexander finished.

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It’s a fleeting tableau, but it reveals the whole story: even the most forsaken creation reaches for connection the moment he’s given something warm to hold in his hands.

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Such debates are the heart of the Western’s tableau, stories that ultimately come down to survivalist clashes of will and character, determining who gets to shape a culture’s story.

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Related Words

• illustration 
• spectacle