Drab: meaning, definitions and examples

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drab

 

[ dræb ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

dull

Lacking brightness or interest; drearily dull.

Synonyms

bleak, dreary, dull

Examples of usage

  • It was a drab winter afternoon with no sunshine.
  • The office walls were painted in a drab grey color.
Context #2 | Noun

clothing

A dull, light brown color.

Synonyms

dull brown, light brown

Examples of usage

  • She wore a drab coat to match the autumn leaves.
  • The curtains were a drab shade that blended with the walls.

Translations

Translations of the word "drab" in other languages:

🇵🇹 monótono

🇮🇳 नीरस

🇩🇪 eintönig

🇮🇩 membosankan

🇺🇦 нудний

🇵🇱 monotonny

🇯🇵 単調な

🇫🇷 monotone

🇪🇸 monótono

🇹🇷 tekdüze

🇰🇷 단조로운

🇸🇦 رتيب

🇨🇿 jednotvárný

🇸🇰 jednotvárny

🇨🇳 单调的

🇸🇮 enoličen

🇮🇸 einhæfur

🇰🇿 жалғызсар

🇬🇪 მონოტონური

🇦🇿 monoton

🇲🇽 monótono

Etymology

The word 'drab' originated in the late 16th century and was derived from the Old English word 'drabbe', meaning a dirty or untidy woman. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to dullness or lack of brightness. The association with the color brown also contributed to its usage in describing a specific shade. 'Drab' has been used in literature and everyday language to convey a sense of boredom, monotony, or plainness.

See also: drabness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,495, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.