crepe paper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral; common in craft, party, and school project contexts.
Quick answer
What does “crepe paper” mean?
A thin, crinkled paper, often brightly coloured, used for decoration and crafts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thin, crinkled paper, often brightly coloured, used for decoration and crafts.
Specifically, it refers to paper that has been treated to create a permanently crinkled texture, resembling the fabric 'crepe'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'crepe' is standard in both, though the original French 'crêpe' is sometimes seen. Pronunciation differs (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical in both regions; strongly associated with childhood crafts, party streamers, and papier-mâché.
Frequency
Equally common in craft contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “crepe paper” in a Sentence
[Verb] + crepe paper: cut, twist, hang, weave, glue[Adjective] + crepe paper: red, green, striped, crinkled, thinVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crepe paper” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll crepe-paper the bicycle for the parade.
American English
- They decided to crepe-paper the gym for the dance.
adverb
British English
- The decorations hung crepe-paper thin from the ceiling. (rare/poetic)
American English
- The petals were cut crepe-paper carefully. (rare/poetic)
adjective
British English
- The crepe-paper streamers looked lovely.
American English
- She made a crepe-paper flower bouquet.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in wholesale/retail for party supplies or craft materials.
Academic
Rare; may appear in art/design or historical material culture studies.
Everyday
Common in contexts of home decoration for parties, school projects, and simple crafts.
Technical
Used in specific craft instructions or descriptions of historical decoration methods.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crepe paper”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crepe paper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crepe paper”
- Misspelling as 'crape paper'.
- Confusing it with 'tissue paper', which is smoother and less elastic.
- Using it as a mass noun without 'paper' (e.g., 'We need some green crepe.' is informal but acceptable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are thin and used in crafts, crepe paper is deliberately crinkled, more elastic, and stronger when stretched. Tissue paper is smooth, more fragile, and used more for wrapping or layering.
It is named after 'crepe' (or crêpe) fabric, which has a similar crinkled, wrinkled texture. The name denotes the texture, not the material.
It is possible but not ideal. The crinkled surface and thin, often porous material make it difficult for most pens and pencils to produce a clear line. It is primarily a decorative, not a writing, paper.
Sharp scissors are best. For long strips, it's often sold in rolls and can be torn along the grain (the direction of the crinkles) quite neatly. Cutting against the grain can cause excessive fraying.
A thin, crinkled paper, often brightly coloured, used for decoration and crafts.
Crepe paper is usually neutral; common in craft, party, and school project contexts. in register.
Crepe paper: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkreɪp ˈpeɪ.pə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkreɪp ˈpeɪ.pər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'CREases' in a crêPE PANcake – CREPE PAPER has permanent creases too.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREPE PAPER IS FESTIVITY (e.g., 'The hall was draped in crepe paper, signalling celebration.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of crepe paper?