velour

noun

ve·​lour və-ˈlu̇r 

variants or velours

plural velours və-ˈlu̇rz 

often attributive

1

: any of various fabrics with a pile or napped surface resembling velvet used in heavy weights for upholstery and curtains and in lighter weights for clothing

also : the article of clothing itself

2

: a fur felt (as of rabbit or nutria) finished with a long velvety nap and used especially for hats

Examples of velour in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One postal-hopeful emerged from a van with his gut pouring out of a burgundy velour sweat suit. —Matt Thompson, SPIN, 13 May 2024

And though Juicy Couture has certainly become a household name for velour tracksuits, the plush set was preceded by styles conjured up by none other than Kimora Lee Simons’s Baby Phat empire. —Shelby Hyde, Essence, 10 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French velours "velvet, velour," going back to Middle French velours, velour, altered (after loss of final consonants and reintroduction of r) from Old French velous, probably (through a northern dialectal outcome) going back to a nominal derivative of Latin villōsus "shaggy, hairy," from villus "shaggy hair, cloth nap" + -ōsus -ose entry 1 — more at velvet entry 1

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

velour

noun

ve·​lour və-ˈlu̇(ə)r 

: a fabric resembling velvet