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 of drapery

• 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

Lofty drapery and gauzy blinds lend privacy. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026

Heavy draperies on a curtain rod were drawn back to reveal the work, which viewers often had to line up for hours to see. —Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

The current decor leans a bit old-school, with floral drapery and decorative wallpaper, but the new owners could update it to their own tastes. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026

In beautiful natural environments, choose drapery that mimics the great outdoors. —Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026

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