velvet

American  

[vel-vit] / ˈvɛl vɪt /

noun

velvets plural

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

Derived Forms

• velvet-like
  adjective
• velvety
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• velvets
  plural

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 ( cf. villus) + Late Latin -ūtus for Latin -ātus -ate ¹ ) + -otte noun suffix

Explanation

Use the noun velvet to describe a plush, smooth fabric that is used to make elegant dresses and fancy drapes. Velvet has historically been a rich, expensive fabric, made on special looms most often from silk. It is plain on the back, thick and soft on the front, and its texture has led to the word's use as an adjective to describe something soft and smooth, like a dog's velvet ear. Even a rich, smooth singing voice can be described as velvet. The Latin root, villus, simply means "shaggy cloth" or "tuft of hair."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

velvet velvets

There, the four candidates for bishop prostrated themselves before an altar, their heads buried in red velvet pillows.

From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026

But thanks to Reid’s indefatigable charisma, this vampire sidesteps the resentment millions hold for real-life bloodsuckers by inviting us behind the velvet curtain.

From Salon ● Jun. 13, 2026

Bill Cody, the Grand Ole Opry and longtime WSM Radio host who woke up listeners with his velvet voice and country music lore, has died.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2026

The 23 senators present donned maroon velvet robes Monday and swore to "do impartial justice according to the constitution and the laws of the Philippines" at the trial.

From Barron's ● May 18, 2026

She had a voice like dark red velvet.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

Wright adopted Caravaggio’s lead white ground and midbrown overlay, as well as his flushed cheeks, pale necks and fleshy pink velvets.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 14, 2026

On Monday, Giorgio Armani also presented velvets and cashmere of green, blue and amethyst shades, four months after the death of the legendary designer aged 91.

From Barron's ● Jan. 19, 2026

But in terms of character building, it’s tough to beat Lorraine Warren’s signature ruffled collars, tartan prints and embroidered velvets and Ed’s quasi-academic dad look.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2025

Between the pomp surrounding donning one’s holy livery, pointed glares and swishing red silks and velvets, these cassocked clergymen make bored teenagers seem kind.

From Salon ● Nov. 22, 2024

When she opened it, she found piles of the finest velvets and damasks the Free Cities could produce . . . and resting on top, nestled in the soft cloth, three huge eggs.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• velvety