drapery

noun

drap·​ery ˈdrā-p(ə-)rē How to pronounce drapery (audio)
plural draperies
1
British : dry goods
2
a
: a decorative piece of material usually hung in loose folds and arranged in a graceful design
b
: hangings of heavy fabric for use as a curtain
3
: the draping or arranging of materials

Examples of drapery in a Sentence

The painter arranged several items among drapery and began to work. the drapery for the picture window matched the color of the furniture in the center of the room
Recent Examples on the Web Mulligan hit red carpet at the German film festival, Berlinale, rocking look 26, originally worn on the runway by Irina Shayk: a black strapless dress with exquisite nude drapery that extends from the back. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2024 Draped in Style for its help with the basement drapery. Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 8 Feb. 2024 The black and white Schumacher drapery is similar to the wallpaper in the adjacent dining room, while its trim is the same blue as the dining room drapery. Marni Elyse Katz, BostonGlobe.com, 27 July 2023 One of the more notable aspects of the theater was is rich red velvet draperies around the stage and matching seating, according to the website. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2024 Opie’s backdrop is a damask drapery in dark green, red’s vivifying complementary color. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2024 While furniture and walls can be in neutral tones, accessorizing with pillows, linens and draperies that mimic coral oranges and sea-glass blues makes a seaside statement. Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 The primary bedroom is a sumptuous retreat with a sitting area that showcases a massive Verner Panton Capiz shell chandelier and bespoke lace and cashmere drapery. Mark David, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2023 That includes decorative elements such as draperies, floor and wall coverings, which tend to absorb and diffuse sound. Michelle Brunner, Washington Post, 6 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'drapery.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of drapery was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near drapery

Cite this Entry

“Drapery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drapery. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

drapery

noun
drap·​ery ˈdrā-p(ə-)rē How to pronounce drapery (audio)
plural draperies
1
: a decorative fabric hung in loose folds
2
: curtains of heavy fabric often used over thinner curtains

More from Merriam-Webster on drapery

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