drapery

noun

drap·​ery ˈdrā-p(ə-)rē 

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

Synonyms

• curtains
• drapes

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

Choose drapery that can be laundered or replace with blinds that can be dusted regularly. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025

What’s more, in addition to functioning as standalone curtains, these panels can be paired with heavier drapery for a high-end, layered look. —Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2025

That full live experience includes dreamlike visuals, including white lights, drapery, and keyhole and window-esque projections. —John Lonsdale, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025

His father, who had inherited a wholesale drapery business, died suddenly when Pierre was 7 years old. —Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for drapery

• papery

Kids Definition

drapery

noun

drap·​ery ˈdrā-p(ə-)rē 

plural draperies

1

: a decorative fabric hung in loose folds

2

: curtains of heavy fabric often used over thinner curtains