Drab

Quick meaning: Drab is a noun meaning A fabric, usually of thick cotton or wool, having a dull brownish yellow, dull grey, or dun colour.

Meaning

A fabric, usually of thick cotton or wool, having a dull brownish yellow, dull grey, or dun colour.

More Meanings

1. The color of this fabric.
2. Often in the plural form drabs: apparel, especially trousers, made from this fabric.
3. (by extension) A dull or uninteresting appearance or situation, unremarkable.
4. Of the color of some types of drabcloth: dull brownish yellow or dun.
5. (by extension) Particularly of color: dull, uninteresting.
6. (dated) A dirty or untidy woman; a slattern.
7. (dated) A promiscuous woman, a slut; a prostitute.

Example Sentences

Most of the colours called drabs appear to me the same by day-light and candle-light.

[T]he carpet is a Brussels, of rather a small pattern, in various shades of greens and drabs.

He wore a pretty large wig, which had once been white, but was now of a browniſh yellow; his coat was one of thoſe modeſt-coloured drabs which mock the injuries of duſt and dirt; [...]

They looked very well in their simple suits, Meg in silvery drab, with a blue velvet snood, lace frills, and the pearl pin; Jo in maroon, with a stiff, gentlemanly linen collar, and a white chrysanthemum or two for her only ornament.

Word Forms

• drabs
• drabber
• drabbest
• drabbing
• drabbed

Synonyms for drab

Depending on context, synonyms include drabcloth, alleycat, amorette, amoret, amorosa, article.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include dull, dreary, cheerless, sombre, gloomy, drear.

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