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curtain

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The definition of a curtain is any sort of covering, especially a piece of cloth that covers a window or opening.

(noun)

An example of a curtain is a long drape covering a stage before a play begins.

Curtain is described as to cover with or decorate with fabric.

(verb)

An example of curtain is to put decorative coverings on the windows.

See curtain in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a piece of cloth or other material, sometimes arranged so that it can be drawn up or sideways, hung for decoration, as at a window, or to cover, conceal, or shut off something
anything that covers, conceals, separates, or shuts off: a curtain of fog
that part of a wall between two bastions, gates, etc.
Archit. an enclosing wall that does not support a roof
Theater
1. the large drape or hanging screen at the front of the stage, which is drawn up or aside to reveal the stage
2. the opening of the curtain at the beginning, or its closing at the end, of a play, act, or scene
3. an effect, line, or situation in a play just before the curtain closes
4. curtain call
☆ Slang death; the end

Origin: ME & OFr cortine < LL(Ec) cortina, lit. a cauldron, enclosing circle of a theater, curtain (< IE base *(s)ker-, to curve); used in Vulg. instead of L cors, cohors (see court) to translate Gr aulaia, curtain (esp. in a theater) < aulē, open court, taken as if same word as L aula, pot: for IE base see oven

transitive verb

to provide or decorate with a curtain
to cover, conceal, or shut off as with a curtain

See curtain in American Heritage Dictionary 4

cur·tain

noun

Material that hangs in a window or other opening as a decoration, shade, or screen.
Something that functions as or resembles a screen, cover, or barrier: the curtain of mist before the mountain; a heavy curtain of artillery fire.
a. The movable screen or drape in a theater or hall that separates the stage from the auditorium or that serves as a backdrop.
b. The rising or opening of a theater curtain at the beginning of a performance or act.
c. The time at which a theatrical performance begins or is scheduled to begin.
d. The fall or closing of a theater curtain at the end of a performance or act.
e. The concluding line, speech, or scene of a play or act.
The part of a rampart or parapet connecting two bastions or gates.
Architecture A curtain wall.
curtains Slang
a. The end.
b. Absolute ruin: “If the employee doesn't shape up, it's curtains” (Business Week).
c. Death.