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

His funeral was held on the stage of the Majestic, where the set of Camelot was draped in black velours. —Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025

The image is of Paris Hilton in a pink velour tracksuit and a man filming her wearing an oversized t-shirt and a pair of baggy pants. —Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 13 Mar. 2025

Plum purples and bright cherry shades also made their mark across monochromatic looks (like a velour set at Tory Burch) and statement pieces (like Rabanne’s deep purple, sequined blouse). —Andrea Bossi, Essence, 13 Mar. 2025

Items featured in the sale included a Juicy Couture velour tracksuit, a Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami handbag and minidresses by Mugler and Lanvin. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 24 Feb. 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