curtain

1 of 2

noun

cur·​tain ˈkər-tᵊn How to pronounce curtain (audio)
1
: a hanging screen usually capable of being drawn back or up
especially : window drapery
2
: a device or agency that conceals or acts as a barrier compare iron curtain
3
a
: the part of a bastioned front that connects two neighboring bastions
b(1)
: a similar stretch of plain wall
(2)
: a nonbearing exterior wall
4
a
: the movable screen separating the stage from the auditorium of a theater
b
: the ascent or opening (as at the beginning of a play) of a stage curtain
also : its descent or closing (as at the end of an act)
c
: the final situation, line, or scene of an act or play
d
: the time at which a theatrical performance begins
e
curtains plural : end
especially : death
it will be curtains for us if we're caught
curtainless adjective

curtain

2 of 2

verb

curtained; curtaining ˈkərt-niŋ How to pronounce curtain (audio)
-ˈkər-tᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

1
: to furnish with or as if with curtains
2
: to veil or shut off with or as if with a curtain

Examples of curtain in a Sentence

Noun Curtains separated the hospital beds. When the curtain rises after intermission, the set is bare and the main character finds himself alone. As the curtain falls for the last time, we see a young woman holding a dying man in her arms. Verb she dropped her head in shame and curtained her face with her hair
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The filmmakers and stars of Blumhouse’s Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 invite you behind the curtain of the terrifying new chapter from the highest-grossing horror film of 2023. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 11 July 2025 While a few releases establish a buzz on the festival circuit, most arrive behind a curtain of anonymity. Peter Bart, Deadline, 10 July 2025
Verb
There are also these $11 Kelly Clarkson curtains that filter light for a soft, ambient effect, and this farmhouse-looking accent cabinet that can hold blankets, board games, and more without taking up too much room. Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 8 July 2025 These $11 Kelly Clarkson curtains softly filter light, have a romantic, vintage lace pattern, and are the lowest price of all the markdowns. Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for curtain

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English curtine, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin cortina (translation of Greek aulaia, from aulē court), from Latin cohort-, cohors enclosure, court — more at court

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curtain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curtain. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

curtain

noun
cur·​tain
ˈkərt-ᵊn
1
: a piece of material (as cloth) hung up to darken, hide, divide, or decorate
2
: the opening or closing of the curtain in front of the stage of a theater
3
: something that covers, hides, or separates like a curtain
curtain verb

More from Merriam-Webster on curtain

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