velvet

American  

[vel-vit] / ˈvɛl vɪt /

noun

1. a fabric of silk, nylon, acetate, rayon, etc., sometimes having a cotton backing, with a thick, soft pile formed of loops of the warp thread either cut at the outer end or left uncut.

2. something likened to the fabric velvet, as in softness or texture.

   the velvet of her touch; the velvet of the lawn.

3. the soft, deciduous covering of a growing antler.

4. Informal. a very pleasant, luxurious, desirable situation.

5. Informal.

   1. money gained through gambling; winnings.

   2. clear gain or profit, especially when more than anticipated.

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adjective

1. Also velveted. made of velvet or covered with velvet.

2. Also velvetlike resembling or suggesting velvet; smooth; soft; velvety.

   a velvet night; a cat's velvet fur.

velvet British  

/ ˈvɛlvɪt /

noun

1. 1. a fabric of silk, cotton, nylon, etc, with a thick close soft usually lustrous pile

   2. ( as modifier )

      velvet curtains

2. anything with a smooth soft surface

3. 1. smoothness; softness

   2. ( as modifier )

      velvet skin

      a velvet night

4. the furry covering of the newly formed antlers of a deer

5. slang

   1. gambling or speculative winnings

   2. a gain, esp when unexpectedly high

6. gentleness or caution, often concealing strength or determination (esp in the phrase an iron fist or hand in a velvet glove )

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velvet Idioms  

1. see under iron hand.

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Other Word Forms

• velvet-like adjective
• velvety adjective

Etymology

Origin of velvet

1275–1325; Middle English velvet, veluet, veluwet < Old French veluotte, equivalent to velu (< Medieval Latin vil ( l ) ūtus; Latin vill ( us ) shaggy nap ( villus ) + Late Latin -ūtus for Latin -ātus -ate ¹ ) + -otte noun suffix

Example Sentences

And I agree it should be socially acceptable to drape oneself in velvet External link.

From Barron's

That’s a velvet rope designed to keep most current exporters on the wrong side.

From MarketWatch

“Our own personal holiday theme this year is velvet and bows or tartan and tinsel,” Scott added before allowing Brown to get to work.

From MarketWatch

Jenner chose a similar shade for the upholstery in her home theater, revealing two rows of brown velvet chairs that she described as “yummy” in her caption.

From MarketWatch

A Ralph Lauren Christmas is defined by rich textures: wool, velvet, leather, dark woods, classic tartan patterns, pine cones and candles.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• velvety