curtained

IPA/kˈɜːtənd/
IPA/kˈɜːtənd/

curtained — adjective

1. describes a window, door, or opening that has a curtain or curtains fitted to it

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

describes a window, door, or opening that has a curtain or curtains fitted to it, so the space can be partly covered or made private when needed.

Example

The curtained windows kept the midday sun out of Christopher's bedroom.

collocation: curtained windows

Aylin pushed open the curtained doorway and stepped into the warm kitchen.

collocation: curtained doorway

Common collocations
  • curtained windows
  • curtained doorway
  • curtained booth
  • curtained sides
  • curtained cubicles
Synonyms
  • draped

    suggests fabric arranged in decorative folds; more formal or literary than 'curtained'

  • hung with curtains

    describes the state of having had curtains installed; more literal and less common

Antonyms
  • uncurtained

    without any curtains fitted

  • bare

    completely uncovered; no curtains or other coverings

Grammar Patterns

curtained + noun

Usage Note

Almost always used before a noun (attributive position). You describe a 'curtained window', not 'a window that is curtained', although the predicative form is grammatically possible.

Common Mistakes

She bought curtained fabrics for the living room.
She bought curtain fabric for the living room.
'curtained' means 'already fitted with curtains', not 'suitable for making curtains'.

2. describes the state of a space that stands divided or screened by a curtain, so

2.adjectiveB1
Definition

describes the state of a space that stands divided or screened by a curtain, so that it is private or partly hidden from the area around it.

Example

Yasmin curtained off a corner of the art studio to create a small changing area.

phrasal pattern: curtained off [area] + to-infinitive of purpose

The library's back section was curtained from the main room by heavy drapes.

passive: was curtained from [place] by [object]

Common collocations
  • curtained off
  • curtained from view
  • curtained area
  • curtained partition
Synonyms
  • screened off

    implies a lightweight or temporary barrier, not necessarily fabric

  • partitioned off

    suggests a more permanent or rigid divider like a wall panel

Antonyms
  • open

    not enclosed or separated by any barrier

  • exposed

    visible to everyone without any covering

Grammar Patterns

curtained off + noun

be curtained off

curtain + noun + from + noun

Usage Note

Commonly appears in the phrase 'curtained off' (separated by a curtain) and in passive constructions describing a space that was divided. The verb 'curtain' in this sense is rare outside the past participle.

Common Mistakes

The nurse curtained the bed and left the room.' (unclear meaning)
The nurse curtained off the bed so the patient could have some privacy.
'curtain off' is the standard phrasal pattern for enclosing a space.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

'Curtained' is the most neutral and practical term: it simply states that a window, doorway, or opening has curtains fitted. 'Draped' leans more formal and decorative — it suggests fabric arranged in elegant folds (e.g. 'The stage was draped in velvet curtains'). 'Hung with curtains' is more literal and less common, focusing on the act of installation ('The hall was hung with heavy red curtains'). 'Veiled' implies partial concealment through a light or thin covering, not necessarily with proper curtains ('Her face was veiled by the netting'). Use 'curtained' for everyday descriptions; 'draped' for decorative or theatrical contexts; 'veiled' when the emphasis is on hiding rather than furnishing.

draped ↗hung with curtainsveiled ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Prepositions

Etymology

Late LatinOld FrenchEnglish

'Curtained' is the past participle of the verb 'curtain', which was formed from the noun 'curtain' in the 15th century. The noun came into English from Old French 'cortine', which in turn came from Late Latin 'cortina' — a word that originally meant 'a round vessel or cauldron' but was later used for 'curtain' because of the circular shape of a hanging drape around a bed or altar. The adjective sense 'having curtains' developed naturally from this verb form.