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
Babbitt, who was draped in a Trump flag like a cape when she was fatally shot during the January 6 assault on the Capitol, had frequently shared right-wing conspiracy theories online. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025 Meanwhile, his wife, Jackie, contrasted him in a strapless white dress that gathered at the bust and draped to the ground. Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
Along with highlighting the fiber’s sheen and drape, Naveena touted silk’s benefits such as moisture-wicking comfort, hypoallergenic properties and biodegradable sustainability. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Aug. 2025 The quality of the stitching is top tier, ensuring that the drapes will last a long time through everyday wear and tear. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 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 3 Sep. 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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