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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- drapes
- Third person singular
- drapes
- Past tense
- draped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Related words
Rhymes for drape
See all rhymes for drape →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.
