drape

1 of 2

verb

ˈdrāp How to pronounce drape (audio)
draped; draping
Synonyms of drape

transitive verb

1
: to cover or adorn with or as if with folds of cloth
2
: to cause to hang or stretch out loosely or carelessly
3
: to arrange in flowing lines or folds

intransitive verb

: to become arranged in folds
this silk drapes beautifully
drapability noun
or less commonly drapeability
ˌdrā-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce drape (audio)
drapable adjective
or less commonly drapeable
ˈdrā-pə-bəl How to pronounce drape (audio)

drape

2 of 2

noun

1
: arrangement in or of folds
2
a
: a drapery especially for a window : curtain
b
: a sterile covering used in an operating room
—usually plural
3
: the cut or hang of clothing
drapey
ˈdrā-pē How to pronounce drape (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of drape

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Verb

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of drape in a Sentence

Verb We'll drape strings of lights between the trees for the party. the town hall was draped in bunting for the annual Fourth of July festivities Noun we hung drapes in the living room to match the new color scheme
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Vigils carries that approach into a soft textile that can drape around the body. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026 Four years ago, crowds filled the central square of this southern port city, draped in Ukrainian flags and hugging the troops who had ended months of Russian occupation. — Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
The maxi-length, slip-style dress features a V-neckline, fluid drape, and feminine cap sleeves, with autumnal shades like mocha brown, black, and soft sage to choose from. — Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2026 Swap the throw pillows, drape a blanket over worn spots, add a slipcover or washable topper and change out the rug, curtains or lighting around it. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drape

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably back-formation from drapery

First Known Use

Verb

1847, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of drape was in 1847

Rhymes for drape

See All Rhymes for drape

Browse Nearby Words

drap-de-Berry
drape
draper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drape. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

drape

1 of 2 noun
ˈdrāp How to pronounce drape (audio)
1
plural : drapery sense 2
2
: arrangement in or of folds
3
: the cut or hang of clothing

drape

2 of 2 verb
draped; draping
1
: to cover or decorate with or as if with folds of cloth
2
: to arrange in flowing lines or folds
a beautifully draped satin dress

Medical Definition

drape

1 of 2 transitive verb
ˈdrāp How to pronounce drape (audio)
draped; draping
: to shroud or enclose with surgical drapes

drape

2 of 2 noun
: a sterile covering used in an operating room
—usually used in plural
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