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 Inside the rest of the house, our clothes, bedding, draperies, carpets and furniture, even the kid’s toys, were lost to water and smoke damage. Todd Robinson, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Aug. 2023 The artwork in the space was chosen from the actress’ ample art collection, and custom drapery in an oyster color was added to give the room more warmth. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2023 There was a golden crown and drapery that formed a canopy above baby Adira’s crib. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 1 Sep. 2023 Consider the size of your drapery stack, which refers to the amount of space the curtains take up when they are fully opened and pushed to the sides, says Macuga. Alyssa Gautieri, Good Housekeeping, 31 Aug. 2023 Beyond that, a 30-foot-wide reception room spills out to a petite formal garden through four sets of French doors trimmed in rich brocade drapery. Mark David, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2023 Instead of shutters, the couple relies on durable draperies made from waterproof sailcloth for shade and privacy. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2023 Alternatively, Galloway suggests embracing the trend for exterior drapery. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Aug. 2023 Never use the flag for apparel, bedding, or drapery. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 See More

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 28 Sep. 2023.

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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