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noun Uncommon

draper

DRAY-puh

Draper (noun) means a person who sells cloth or textiles for a living. Example: “The old draper's shop on the high street closed years ago.”

noun
1
A person who sells cloth or textiles for a living.
"The old draper's shop on the high street closed years ago."
"Her grandfather was a draper who supplied fabric to local tailors."

How to use draper

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA cloth merchant — a now old-fashioned trade name still seen in shop signs and surnames.

When to use it

A somewhat old-fashioned word; modern English usually says "fabric shop" or "textile retailer."

Word forms

drapers plural, Drapers plural

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Test yourself on “draper” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old _____'s shop on the high street closed years ago.

Etymology

From Old French drapier, "cloth seller," from drap, "cloth" — also the origin of the common English surname Draper.

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for draper

See all rhymes for draper →

Frequently asked questions

What does “draper” mean?

The word “draper” means a person who sells cloth or textiles for a living. In plain terms, a cloth merchant — a now old-fashioned trade name still seen in shop signs and surnames.

How do you pronounce “draper”?

“Draper” is pronounced DRAY-puh (/ˈdɹeɪ.pə(ɹ)/ in IPA).

How do you use “draper” in a sentence?

Here is “draper” used in a sentence: “The old draper's shop on the high street closed years ago.”

What part of speech is “draper”?

“Draper” is a noun.

Where does the word “draper” come from?

The word “draper” comes from Old French. From Old French drapier, "cloth seller," from drap, "cloth" — also the origin of the common English surname Draper.

Is “draper” a common word?

“Draper” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial