Drape

/dreɪp/

verbBeginner📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To cover or arrange something loosely with cloth or fabric.

/dreɪp/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To cover or hang loosely with cloth or fabric.

She draped a blanket over the sleeping child.

💡 Simply: Think about how you might hang a blanket or a scarf. Draping is basically covering something or letting something hang in a relaxed way. Like, when you put a cool scarf over your shoulders or when you put curtains on a window.

👶 For kids: To cover something with cloth so it hangs down.

More Examples

2

The artist draped the fabric over the sculpture to reveal it dramatically.

3

The curtains were draped around the window to block out the light.

How It's Used

Home Decor

"She draped a silk scarf over her shoulders."

Fashion

"The model's gown draped elegantly on the runway."

2

A piece of fabric arranged as a covering or curtain, especially in a graceful or decorative way.

/dreɪp/

nounneutralmedium
Arts

A piece of fabric arranged as a covering.

The drapes were drawn closed to keep the sunlight out.

💡 Simply: When you think about the fancy curtains people use to make their windows look nice or the fancy fabric that's covering a stage in the theater, then you are thinking about a drape.

👶 For kids: A cloth that hangs down to cover something like a window or a stage.

More Examples

2

The drapes gave the room a more formal atmosphere.

3

The designer selected luxurious drapes to enhance the living space.

How It's Used

Interior Design

"The drapes added a touch of elegance to the room."

Theatre

"The stage was decorated with rich drapes."

Tip:Think of a dramatic curtain, full of folds, and the word 'drape' helps define this

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

Drape oneself in...

To wear or be covered in (usually something impressive or expensive).

"She draped herself in diamonds for the gala."

From Middle English drapen, from Old French draper ('to make cloth'), from draps ('cloth'), of uncertain origin.

The word 'drape' has been used since the 13th century, initially referencing the action of making or arranging cloth.

Memory tip

Imagine a cape, and the way it *drapes* around a superhero.

Word Origin

LanguageOld French
Original meaning

"to make cloth, cover"

drape a clothdrape fabricdrape overdrape oneself

Common misspellings

drapdrapesdraping

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written