drape

1 of 2

verb

draped; draping

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
drapable adjective
or less commonly drapeable

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 used in plural
3
: the cut or hang of clothing
drapey adjective

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
On Thursday, March 20, Holmes stepped out in New York City wearing a silk shirt, a black blazer draped over her shoulders, black ruffled capris, and black tights. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2025 Holmes wore a white, satin shirt tucked into cropped black slacks worn over tights, with an unbuttoned suit jacket draped over her shoulders. Clint Davis, People.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
Many travelers close their drapes or shutters for safety reasons. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025 Photo: Courtesy of Phoebe Philo Photo: Courtesy of Phoebe Philo Photo: Courtesy of Phoebe Philo Other novelties here include a high necked sweater with a sculptural drape and strap trousers that fully unzip at the knees. Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025 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

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of drape was in 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Drape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drape. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

drape

1 of 2 noun
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
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

More from Merriam-Webster on drape

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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