First Known Use: circa 1515
Dictionary
1drab
noun \ˈdrab\
2drab
verb
drabbeddrab·bing
Definition of DRAB
intransitive verb
: to associate with prostitutes
First Known Use of DRAB
1599
3drab
noun
Definition of DRAB
1
: any of various cloths of a dull brown or gray color
2
a : a light olive brown b : a dull, lifeless, or faded appearance or quality
Origin of DRAB
Middle French drap cloth, from Late Latin drappus
First Known Use: 1541
4drab
adjective
: not bright or colorful : too plain or dull to be interesting
drab·berdrab·best
Full Definition of DRAB
1
a : of the dull brown color of drab b : of the color drab
2
: characterized by dullness and monotony : cheerless <a drab life>
— drab·ly adverb
— drab·ness noun
See drab defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DRAB
1686
Related to DRAB
- Synonyms
- arid, colorless, boring, dreary, drudging, dry, dull, dusty, flat, heavy, ho-hum, humdrum, jading, jejune, leaden, mind-numbing, monochromatic, monotonous, numbing, old, pedestrian, ponderous, slow, stale, stodgy, stuffy, stupid, tame, tedious, tiresome, tiring, uninteresting, wearisome, weary, wearying
- Antonyms
- absorbing, engaging, engrossing, gripping, interesting, intriguing, involving, riveting
5drab
noun
Definition of DRAB
: a small amount —usually used in the phrase dribs and drabs <receiving donations in dribs and drabs>
Origin of DRAB
probably alteration of drib
First Known Use: 1809
DRABNESS Defined for Kids
drab
adjective
drab·berdrab·best
Definition of DRAB for Kids
1
: not bright or interesting : dull <a drab apartment>
2
: grayish brown in color
— drab·ly adverb
— drab·ness noun
Learn More About DRAB
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