upholstery

noun

up·hol·stery (ˌ)əp-ˈhōl-st(ə-)rē

(ˌ)ə-ˈpōl-

plural upholsteries

: materials (such as fabric, padding, and springs) used to make a soft covering especially for a seat

Examples of upholstery in a Sentence

an old chair that needs new upholstery He learned upholstery from his father.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Living room furniture does not stand a chance against a shedding dog, a muddy paw or a cat with strong opinions about upholstery. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026 The team practiced over four different camera tests, scaling up the stomach sets (made of silicone, latex, and also a fair bit of upholstery) each time and adding more variability in how each could be used. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2026 Quirky touches include plaid upholstery, fabric door-pull straps and a removable storage basket 3D-printed from bio-plastic and wood. — New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026 Warm walnut, rich performance upholstery, and brushed metal details give the pieces a distinctly executive feel without making your home office feel like a corporate cubicle. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for upholstery

Word History

Etymology

Middle English upholdester upholsterer, from upholden to uphold, from up + holden to hold

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of upholstery was in 1597

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Upholstery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upholstery. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

upholstery

noun

up·hol·stery (ˌ)əp-ˈhōl-st(ə-)rē

(ˌ)ə-ˈpōl-

plural upholsteries

: materials (as fabric, padding, and springs) used to make a soft covering especially for a seat

upholstery

noun

Examples of upholstery in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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