noun

tableau

/tæˈbloʊ/ · say it: tab·LOH

a striking, artfully arranged group or scene

In Arts & Culture

In more detail

1. (noun) a striking or vivid scene or picture, often one that is carefully arranged for effect

2. (noun) a silent, motionless group of people arranged to represent a scene or moment in history or art

Examples

1. The sunset over the mountains created a beautiful tableau.
2. The actors stood still in a dramatic tableau depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

How to use tableau

Tableau describes either a visually impressive or carefully composed scene, or a theatrical presentation where actors remain silent and still. It carries a more formal, artistic, or dramatic tone than simple 'scene' and emphasizes visual impact or deliberate arrangement. The French plural 'tableaux' is commonly used in English.

Common phrases

vivid tableau
striking tableau
tableau vivant
historical tableau
arrange a tableau

Synonyms

scene · picture · arrangement · vignette · spectacle

Word family

tableaux (plural)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse tableau with a simple scene or picture; it specifically implies either striking visual composition or the theatrical performance form where actors pose motionlessly.

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