velvet

1 of 2

noun

vel·​vet ˈvel-vət 

1

: a clothing and upholstery fabric (as of silk, rayon, or wool) characterized by a short soft dense warp pile

2

a

: something suggesting velvet

b

: a characteristic (such as softness or smoothness) of velvet

3

: the soft vascular skin that envelops and nourishes the developing antlers of deer

4

a

: the winnings of a player in a gambling game

b

: a profit or gain beyond ordinary expectation

velvetlike

ˈvel-vət-ˌlīk 

adjective

velvet

2 of 2

adjective

1

: made of or covered with velvet

also : clad in velvet

2

: resembling or suggesting velvet : velvety

a velvet voice

Examples of velvet in a Sentence

Noun

She was dressed in black velvet.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For a more slipper-like look, Toteme’s velvet flats stay true to the classics, while mules from Dôen and Staud could easily double as your favorite indoor-outdoor shoes. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026

This flocked wreath lights up and is adorned with a silky velvet green ribbon at less than $20. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2026

Adjective

Men’s highlights include a velvet tuxedo jacket, modern suiting and festive layers. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

The result is a velvet texture with skin that appears as soft, bouncy, and hydrated, just like that of a mochi rice cake. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English veluet, velvet, borrowed from Anglo-French velvet, from velu "shaggy, soft, velvety" (going back to early Medieval Latin villūtus, from Latin villus "shaggy growth of hair, cloth nap" + Late Latin -ūtus, adjective suffix) + -et -et entry 1; Latin villus, perhaps dialectal variant of vellus "plucked wool, fleece" — more at wool

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing velvet

• velvet ant
• velvet bean

Kids Definition

velvet

noun

vel·​vet

ˈvel-vət

1

: a fabric with short soft raised fibers

2

: the soft skin covering the developing antler of a deer

velvet adjective