Definition

1. Noun:

   • A piece of fabric hung to cover a window, doorway, or similar opening: A curtain is typically used to block light, provide privacy, or for decoration.
   • A barrier that conceals or separates: A curtain can be any physical or metaphorical barrier that obstructs vision or communication.
   • The screen or drape separating the stage from the auditorium in a theater: In this context, the curtain is raised or lowered at the beginning and end of acts or performances.

2. Verb:

   • To provide or cover with a curtain: The action of hanging a curtain or drapes.
   • To conceal or separate with or as if with a curtain: To use something to hide or partition an area.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • She drew the heavy velvet curtain to block out the morning sun.
  • A thick curtain of fog made driving dangerous.
  • The audience applauded as the curtain fell at the end of the play.

• Verb:

  • We need to curtain the new bay window in the living room.
  • A row of tall shrubs curtained the garden from the street.

Advanced Usage

• "to bring down the curtain on (something)": to mark the end of something.
  • The scandal brought down the curtain on his political career.
• "behind the curtain": in secret; not publicly known.
  • Important decisions were made behind the curtain.
• "curtain call": the appearance of performers at the end of a show to acknowledge applause.
  • The actor received a standing ovation during his curtain call.

Variants and Related Words

• Curtained (adj.): Provided with or concealed by a curtain.
  • The curtained windows gave the room a cozy feel.
• Curtaining (n.): Material used for making curtains.
• Curtain-raiser (n.): A short play or performance before the main event; an event that precedes and signals the start of something more important.

Synonyms

• Drapery (n.): Cloth arranged in folds, especially as curtains.
• Drape (n./v.): A curtain; to cover or adorn with cloth.
• Screen (n.): A partition used to conceal or protect.
• Veil (n.): A piece of fine material worn to protect or conceal the face; something that conceals.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Curtain off: To separate or partition an area using a curtain or similar barrier.
  • They curtained off a section of the room to create a private space.

Related Idioms

• "It's curtains (for someone/something)": It is the end or ruin for someone or something.
  • If the boss finds out, it's curtains for my job.
• "Draw a curtain over something": To conceal something; to avoid discussing a subject.
  • He preferred to draw a curtain over his past mistakes.
• "Lift the curtain on something": To reveal something previously hidden or secret.
  • The documentary lifted the curtain on the inner workings of the industry.

Noun

1. any barrier to communication or vision
   • a curtain of secrecy
   • a curtain of trees
2. hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

Verb

1. provide with drapery
   • curtain the bedrooms