curtain
KER-tun
/ˈkɜː.tən/
A heavy hanging cloth screen that separates the stage from the auditorium.
Signals the formal commencement, intermission, or end of a theatrical act or show.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'cortine', stemming from Late Latin 'cortina' (curtain, tapestry, circular vessel), a diminutive of 'cohors' (enclosure or courtyard). The theatrical curtain developed to conceal elaborate scenery changes.
Word relationships
- drape: Drape is a general home furnishing term, while curtain in theater refers to the proscenium barrier.
- screen: Screen implies a rigid or projected divider, whereas curtain is made of flexible fabric.
- exposure: Exposure leaves the stage revealed without a barrier.
Commonly confused with
- backdrop: A backdrop is a painted scene at the rear of the stage; a curtain sits at the front to hide or reveal the whole stage.
Word family
- curtained (adjective): Provided or covered with a curtain.
Collocations
- curtain call
- curtain time
- raise the curtain
- curtain falls
Idioms & expressions
- curtains for someone
- ring down the curtain
Example sentences
- "The heavy velvet curtain dropped to the floor as the crowd erupted into enthusiastic applause." Show conclusion
- "Curtain time for the evening performance is scheduled for exactly eight o'clock sharp." Performance timing
Memory hook
CURT-ain CUTS off the view between actors and audience. The heavy fabric dividing show from reality.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a scenic backdrop that remains visible during action.
Fun facts
- A 'curtain call' occurs at the end of a performance when actors return to the stage to bow and accept applause.
Explore more words
intermission, interlude, premiere, suspension, audience, suspend
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