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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
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.
The spaces are adorned with a mixture of natural woods, metal, mirrors, couture drapery, and textured coverings. David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2025 In the dining room, skip the heavy drapery to allow as much sunlight to flood into the space as possible, Ferguson suggests. Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025 For a large-scale installation at the West Coast Craft Fair in San Francisco, Nakamoto used 100-foot sheets of voile fabric to create a drapery that resembled vintage cake decoration piping. Alexis Benveniste, Architectural Digest, 21 Nov. 2025 An all-black, black-tie dress code, as well as tasteful drapery, candles and flowers elevated the sophisticated celebration. Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drapery

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

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Cite this Entry

“Drapery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drapery. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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