velour
Americannoun
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a velvetlike fabric of rayon, wool, or any of several other natural or synthetic fibers, used for outerwear and upholstery.
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a velvety fur felt, as of beaver, for hats.
noun
Etymology
Origin of velour
1700–10; earlier velours < French, Middle French; Old French velous < Old Provençal velos velvet < Latin villōsus hairy. See villus, -ose 1
Explanation
Velour is a fabric that's as soft as velvet but much stretchier. Because it's somewhat inexpensive, you can afford those plush, pink velour pajamas! Velour is a more affordable, sturdier version of velvet. It's also a versatile fabric because it's knitted rather than woven, giving it some stretch. This material is used for clothing, toys, throw pillows, and other home furnishings. The word velour dates from the 18th century, from the French velours, "velvet," and a root meaning "shaggy." The fabric itself is also a French invention, although the exact details are lost to history.
Vocabulary lists containing velour
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If you’ve been on the internet in the past few months, chances are you’ve scrolled past them: four 20-somethings, clad in Pepto-pink velour track suits and yellow sneakers, dancing and harmonizing.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026
Furnished with a chandelier, velour chair and battery-powered fireplace, the castle has been described by some as a mice paradise.
From BBC • May 28, 2025
That includes velour galore, low-rise jeans, mini skirts and graphic T-shirts.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 20, 2023
Part research tool, part inspirational vision board, the map is surrounded by images he’s sourced from the internet, including Baca’s mural, the Pacoima-born Ritchie Valens and Britney Spears in a velour tracksuit.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 1, 2023
My grandmother is wearing a purple velour housecoat that clashes with the orange-and-green wallpaper in the kitchen.
From "Dragons in a Bag" by Zetta Elliott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
