velvet

[ vel-vit ]

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.

adjective

1. Also velvet·ed. made of velvet or covered with velvet.
2. Also velvet·like. resembling or suggesting velvet; smooth; soft; velvety:

   a velvet night; a cat's velvet fur.

velvet

/ 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 )

      a velvet night

      velvet skin

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

Derived Forms

• ˈvelvety, adjective
• ˈvelvet-ˌlike, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of velvet¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of velvet¹

C14: veluet, from Old French veluotte, from velu hairy, from Vulgar Latin villutus (unattested), from Latin villus shaggy hair

Idioms and Phrases

see under iron hand .

Example Sentences

Start with a Taste of Memphis box, which features flavors including red velvet, Bluff City barbecue, penny candy and spiced whiskey.

From Washington Post

In 1989, 63-year-old Barbara Bush wore a blue velvet and satin gown by Arnold Scaasi, who said the new first lady was suddenly “the most glamorous grandmother in the United States.”

From Washington Post

Fabric upholstery can be plush, cozy, and inviting and can range from soft velvets to simple linen.

From Popular-Science

It woos you with aromas of jasmine and honeysuckle, then hugs your palate with velvet.

From Washington Post

This year, Schreurs’s velvet sack is packed and his boots are shined, but when he goes on his dozens of appointed Santa rounds in Olney on the weekends, he’s doing outdoor visits and traveling in his bright red Toyota 4Runner.

From Washington Post

It was something quite unique, impossibly velvet and probably never to be repeated.

From The Daily Beast

This explains the crumpled look of his beautiful red velvet suit paired with cowboy boots and a flowery style shirt.

From The Daily Beast

Waters became really famous after Tipping The Velvet was made into a TV drama in 2002.

From The Daily Beast

I felt a community of lesbian readers might find Tipping The Velvet fun.

From The Daily Beast

The Velvet Tongue is an erotic literary soiree held by poet Ernesto Sarezale.

From The Daily Beast

Round her neck depended from a black velvet band, strings of diamonds of great size and magnificence.

From Project Gutenberg

The quiet of the deserted building incircled the little, glowing room as the velvet incircles the jewel in its case.

From Project Gutenberg

The walls were covered with silk and velvet hangings, ornamented with gold fringe, while rich carpets were spread underfoot.

From Project Gutenberg

If we get 17 rounds per gun per day for the 18 pounders and 4.5 howitzers we shall indeed be on velvet.

From Project Gutenberg

For young ladies, at home, ribbon or velvet are the most suitable materials for a head-dress.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• velvety