arras: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, historical, formal
Quick answer
What does “arras” mean?
A large tapestry or wall hanging, especially one hung on a wall for decoration or to conceal something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large tapestry or wall hanging, especially one hung on a wall for decoration or to conceal something.
Historically, a rich tapestry fabric originally made in Arras, France; also used metaphorically to refer to something that conceals or screens.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage; the word is equally rare and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Both varieties carry strong literary/historical connotations. In British English, it may have slightly stronger associations with medieval history and heritage properties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, primarily encountered in historical novels, drama, or descriptions of historic buildings.
Grammar
How to Use “arras” in a Sentence
[verb] + behind + the + arras[verb] + an + arras + [prepositional phrase][adjective] + arras + [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, art history, or literary studies contexts when discussing medieval decor or specific texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound archaic or pretentious.
Technical
Used in museum, conservation, or antique textile contexts to describe specific types of wall hangings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arras”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arras”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arras”
- Using it as a plural (it's usually singular).
- Confusing it with 'harass'.
- Using it in modern, casual contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, literary, and historical word. You will most likely encounter it in classic literature, historical fiction, or descriptions of antique interiors.
No, 'arras' is exclusively a noun in modern English. Historical or creative use as a verb (e.g., 'to arras a wall') would be highly unusual and non-standard.
An arras is a specific type of tapestry, originally from the town of Arras in France, often used as a wall hanging. All arrases are tapestries, but not all tapestries are arrases. The term is now often used more generally for any large, heavy wall tapestry.
This association stems primarily from its famous use in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', where the character Polonius hides behind an arras to eavesdrop, leading to his death. This cemented the word's metaphorical link to concealment and overhearing secrets.
A large tapestry or wall hanging, especially one hung on a wall for decoration or to conceal something.
Arras is usually literary, historical, formal in register.
Arras: in British English it is pronounced /ˈærəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈærəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “behind the arras (concealed or eavesdropping)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ARRAS rhymes with 'embarrass' – imagine being embarrassed after someone finds you hiding behind a large tapestry.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONCEALMENT IS BEHIND A TEXTILE (The arras hides secrets, listeners, or truths).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'arras' be most appropriately used?