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noun

drape

drayp

Drape (noun) means a curtain, or heavy cloth hung over a window or doorway. Example: “She pulled the drapes shut to block the morning sun.”

noun
1
A curtain, or heavy cloth hung over a window or doorway.
"She pulled the drapes shut to block the morning sun."
2
The way a piece of fabric hangs or falls.
"The designer praised the elegant drape of the silk gown."
verb
1
To cover or arrange loosely, as with cloth.
"He draped a blanket over his shoulders."
"She draped her coat over the back of the chair."
2
To hang or rest loosely over something.
"His arm draped casually over the sofa."

How to use drape

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAs a noun, a curtain or the way fabric hangs; as a verb, to cover or hang something loosely over something else.

UK vs US

American English uses "drapes" for curtains far more than British English, which usually just says "curtains."

Common pairings
draped in velvet drapes the drape of a dress

Word forms

draped past tense, drapes plural, drapes singular

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She pulled the _____ shut to block the morning sun.

Etymology

From Old French draper, "to full cloth," from drap ("cloth"), ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "to beat or strike" — the same root behind English "drub."

Origin: Old French

Related words

Rhymes for drape

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Frequently asked questions

What does “drape” mean?

The word “drape” means a curtain, or heavy cloth hung over a window or doorway. In plain terms, as a noun, a curtain or the way fabric hangs; as a verb, to cover or hang something loosely over something else.

How do you pronounce “drape”?

“Drape” is pronounced drayp (/dɹeɪp/ in IPA).

How do you use “drape” in a sentence?

Here is “drape” used in a sentence: “She pulled the drapes shut to block the morning sun.”

What part of speech is “drape”?

Depending on how it is used, “drape” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “drape” come from?

The word “drape” comes from Old French. From Old French draper, "to full cloth," from drap ("cloth"), ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "to beat or strike" — the same root behind English "drub.".

How many meanings does “drape” have?

“Drape” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a curtain, or heavy cloth hung over a window or doorway.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial