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.

Seats are wrapped in charcoal Mojave PurLuxe Premium upholstery, accented by contrast blue stitching and matching blue seatbelts, distinguishing it instantly from lower-tier Gravity variants. — New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026 The designers added warmth through textural walls and durable upholstery. — Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 18 Aug. 2026 Recently, my dad discovered these non-slip couch covers that protect the upholstery on their couches from dirty paws. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026 Cardboard boxes, stacks of paper, fabric, insulation from the walls, wiring, packaging, stuffing from car upholstery and lawn cushions, and even grass clippings and leaves are all up for grabs. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 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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