WordGarden.iodrape
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /drˈeɪp/
US
- /ˈdreɪp/
Meanings
Verb
to place or arrange cloth loosely over something
to hang or fall in loose folds
Noun
a curtain or hanging piece of fabric
the way a fabric hangs or falls
a sterile sheet used to cover a patient or area during surgery
Beyond the definition
Think of cloth falling in soft folds. To drape something means to place or hang it so it falls loosely and naturally. You might drape a scarf around your neck or drape a blanket over a chair. It can also describe how something hangs on its own: "The vines draped across the archway."
The word is also used as a noun. A drape can be a curtain or another piece of hanging cloth, and it can also mean the way fabric falls on a person or object. The idea can stretch beyond cloth too: fog may seem to drape over hills, or someone may be described as draped in velvet. In each case, the sense is of a soft covering or a flowing fall.
To drape means to hang or place fabric, or something like it, so it falls loosely in folds. The idea is not of something pulled tight, but of something resting in a soft, natural way. For example: "She draped a shawl over her shoulders," or "The artist draped cloth over the statue."
As a verb, it often suggests an intentional arrangement, especially for beauty, comfort, or display, but it can also describe how something hangs by itself. A vine might drape across a wall, or fog might drape over a mountain. The word is also used in a figurative way for a mood or feeling that seems to spread over a place, as in "sadness draped over the room."
As a noun, a drape can mean a curtain, especially a long, loose one, or any hanging cloth used for covering or decoration. It can also mean the way fabric falls: people talk about the drape of a dress, a coat, or a piece of silk. Whether you are describing cloth on a body, fabric over furniture, vines on a wall, or fog over a landscape, the word usually carries the idea of a loose, flowing, covering shape.
Examples
- 1
Household
She draped a towel over the chair to dry.
- 2
Clothing
He gently draped a scarf around her shoulders.
- 3
Plants
Green vines draped over the balcony railing.
- 4
Carrying clothes
She walked in with a coat draped over one arm.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Fabric quality
This silk drapes beautifully, so it's perfect for a long skirt.
- Phrasedrapes beautifully
hangs in soft, natural folds
- 6
Window coverings
Heavy drapes kept the bedroom dark even after sunrise.
- 7
Funeral ceremony
A flag was draped over the coffin during the funeral.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- drapenounverb
Forms
- drapedpast tenseverbnoun
- drapesverbnoun
- draping-ing formverbnoun