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

Imagine rich tones, grand headboards, heavy draperies and rugs, and thoughtful attention to details. —Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Topfinel Velvet Blackout Curtains To update your drapery, swap out your existing curtains for these velvet blackout options. —Brittney Morgan, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2025

Drifting around the stage in billowing black silk drapery, Sumney pops in and out of scenes, singing with a mystical, human-theremin voice, accompanying himself on electric guitar. —Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025

In the center, a fireplace is surrounded by grand artwork and rich drapery. —Colson Thayer, People.com, 22 Aug. 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