# upholstery

/əˈpoʊɫstɝi/ (US) · /ʌpˈəʊlstəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/upholstery
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the fabric or leather that covers the seats and backs of furniture like chairs and sofas. It can also mean the process of putting this covering on the furniture.

For teachers: the fabric, leather, or other material used to cover the framework of furniture. It also refers to the process of attaching such a covering to a piece of furniture.

## Examples

- The old sofa needs new upholstery.
- She chose a durable fabric for the upholstery to protect the furniture from her children's mess.
- Restoring the antique armchair required a master craftsman to replicate the original upholstery using traditional hand-stitching techniques and period-accurate materials.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.