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

Note, for example, the heavy draperies and their tassels, the busy floral wallpapers, the stalks of hydrangeas that flank the mantelpiece, and the art and finery covering every surface. —Laura E. Helton, Literary Hub, 20 Apr. 2026

Seen from behind, the gown descended into a waterfall drapery with overlapping layers of white and green satin—a tribute to the colors of the Pakistani flag. —Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026

Soft blues run through the formal dining room, expressed in sculptural chairs, drapery, and the rug. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026

Bring It in Through Textiles and Fabrics Chartreuse might feel intimidating as a paint color, but McGee recommends embracing it through textiles like throw pillows, blankets, and even draperies. —Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 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