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

Or maybe like a fuzzy velour, like the fur of a puppy. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026

Kimmel showcased a red velour stand lined with numerous awards, including a Daytime Emmy, a Clio, a Webby, and a Writers Guild Award. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2026

Decked out in a purple velour tracksuit, layered necklaces, a tattered blonde wig, and a tiara, Jimmy is the cult leader to a small, depraved group of satanists who claim to be the son of the Devil himself. —Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Jan. 2026

Family members wept as Schlanger’s coffin, draped in black velour bearing a gold Star of David, was wheeled into the synagogue. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025

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

Rhymes for velour

• amour
• auteur
• grandeur
• hauteur
• verdure
• voyeur
• doer
• poor
• poore
• raconteur

Kids Definition

velour

noun

ve·​lour və-ˈlu̇(ə)r 

: a fabric resembling velvet