crape: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Historical, Literary, Ceremonial
Quick answer
What does “crape” mean?
A light, thin fabric with a crinkled surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A light, thin fabric with a crinkled surface.
A piece of black crêpe fabric, especially as a sign of mourning; to cover or drape with such fabric.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling "crape" is understood but less common in both varieties. "Crêpe" is the dominant modern spelling. British English may retain "crape" slightly more often in formal, ceremonial, or historical contexts (e.g., mourning crape). American English overwhelmingly favors "crêpe".
Connotations
"Crape" strongly connotes mourning, Victorian-era funerals, and historical attire. It has a somber, old-fashioned, and sometimes archaic feel.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general modern English. Occurs primarily in historical texts, descriptions of period costume, or in fixed phrases like "crape myrtle" (the tree).
Grammar
How to Use “crape” in a Sentence
to drape [something] in crapeto be hung with black crapeto wear crape [for someone]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crape” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hall was craped in black for the solemn occasion.
- They craped the mirror to signify a death in the household.
American English
- The historic society reenacted craping the doorway. (Historical context)
- The portrait was traditionally craped after the monarch's passing.
adjective
British English
- She wore a crape bonnet to the funeral.
- The crape material was stark against the pale walls.
American English
- A crape myrtle bloomed in the southern heat. (Primary US usage)
- He found an old crape mourning dress in the attic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in very niche textile or historical costume reproduction businesses.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, and fashion studies when discussing 18th-19th century mourning customs or period attire.
Everyday
Virtually never used. The average speaker would say "crêpe" or simply "black mourning ribbon/fabric."
Technical
In botany: "Crape myrtle" (Lagerstroemia) is the standard spelling for the flowering tree/shrub.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crape”
- Using 'crape' for a French pancake (correct: crêpe).
- Spelling 'crêpe myrtle' (correct for the tree: crape myrtle).
- Thinking 'crape' and 'crêpe' are always interchangeable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a historical and variant spelling. While 'crêpe' is standard today for most contexts, 'crape' is preserved in specific terms like 'crape myrtle' and references to mourning fabric.
Use 'crape' primarily for the flowering tree (crape myrtle) or when deliberately evoking a historical, funereal context (e.g., in a historical novel). In all modern fabric and culinary contexts, use 'crêpe'.
The name 'crape myrtle' comes from the crinkled, crepe-paper-like texture of its flower petals.
In general language use, yes, it is largely archaic. Its survival is almost entirely due to the fixed compound 'crape myrtle' and niche historical references.
A light, thin fabric with a crinkled surface.
Crape is usually formal, historical, literary, ceremonial in register.
Crape: in British English it is pronounced /kreɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /kreɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To put on crape and weep (archaic: to go into mourning)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CRAPE paper that is black and used for a sad APE's funeral. CR(ying) APE = Crape for mourning.
Conceptual Metaphor
MATERIAL FOR STATE (Crape is the material that metaphorically embodies the state of mourning/sadness).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most contextually accurate use of the word 'crape'?