Standard Lemma guide

counterpane

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • koun′tər-pān′′
  • UK: /ˈkaʊntəˌpeɪn/
  • US: /ˈkaʊn tərˌpeɪn/

1

noun

Meaning 1

The topmost covering of a bed, often functioning as a blanket.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: bedcover, bedspread, coverlet, quilt

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: bedcover, bedspread, coverlet, quilt

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

decorative cover for a bed

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: bedspread, bedcover, bed cover, bed covering, spread

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: bedclothes, bed clothing, bedding

Narrower terms: coverlet, quilted bedspread

History

Etymology

By serial alterations in Middle English, Middle French, and Old French, ultimately from Latin words meaning "stitched bedding" (culcita puncta).