drape
drape Lexical Profile
drape Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American A long, heavy curtain or piece of fabric hung vertically, often in folds, especially at a window.
"She pulled the heavy velvet drapes shut to block out the harsh morning sunlight."
The manner in which a fabric or garment hangs or falls into natural folds.
"The tailor admired the elegant drape of the silk dress as it flowed to the floor."
A sterile covering placed over a patient's body during a surgical procedure to maintain a clean operative field.
"The scrub nurse carefully adjusted the surgical drape before the incision was made."
• verb
To arrange or let fall in loose, graceful folds (especially fabric or clothing).
"He draped the warm blanket gently over the sleeping child's shoulders."
To cover, adorn, or wrap with heavy cloth falling in loose folds.
"The historic balcony was draped in patriotic banners for the independence day parade."
To rest or place casually and loosely (such as a limb or part of the body).
"Exhausted from the long hike, she sat down and draped her legs over the side of the wooden bench."
Word Nuance & Usage
In North American English, 'drapes' typically refers to heavy, pleated window coverings that reach the floor, whereas 'curtains' may be shorter or made of lighter fabric. In British English, 'curtains' is the standard term for both.
• Rhymes for drape
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived in the mid-19th century from the Old French 'draper' (to weave or full cloth), tracing back to Late Latin 'drappus', meaning 'cloth'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.