velvet

[vel-vit]

noun

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.

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

/ 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 )

Other Word Forms

• velvet-like adjective
• velvety adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of velvet¹

1275–1325; Middle English velvet, veluet, veluwet < Old French veluotte, equivalent to velu (< Medieval Latin vil ( l ) ūtus; Latin vill ( us ) shaggy nap ( villus ) + Late Latin -ūtus for Latin -ātus -ate ¹ ) + -otte noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of velvet¹

C14: veluet, from Old French veluotte, from velu hairy, from Vulgar Latin villutus (unattested), from Latin villus shaggy hair

Idioms and Phrases

see under iron hand.

Example Sentences

The stag's antlers, now fully hardened and velvet‑free, regrow each spring, becoming more impressive with each year as new points called tines develop.

From BBC

That’s the version most of us know: the one that coats your mouth in salty velvet and fuses to toasted bread like edible glue.

From Salon

In front of a red velvet curtain with smudged mascara and a crystal teardrop on her cheek, Del Rio delivered a moving a cappella performance of “Llorando,” a Spanish-language take of Roy Orbison’s “Crying.”

From Los Angeles Times

The King and Queen followed convention and were at the back of the procession dressed in white plumed hats and dark blue velvet robes, as were the other members of the order.

From BBC

And I’m also going to Sprinkles and getting red velvet, gluten-free cupcakes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• velvety