n.
Pronunciation: ' ta- ˌ bl ō , ta- ' bl ō
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural tab · leaux \ - ˌ bl ō z, - ' bl ō z \ also tableaus
Etymology: French, from Middle French tablel, diminutive of table, from Old French
Date: 1660
1 : a graphic description or representation : PICTURE <winsome tableaux of old-fashioned literary days ― J. D. Hart>
2 : a striking or artistic grouping : ARRANGEMENT , SCENE
3 [short for tableau vivant (fr. F, literally, living picture)] : a depiction of a scene usually presented on a stage by silent and motionless costumed participants