velvet

velvet — noun

1. a type of fabric that has a short, thick layer of soft threads on one side, givi

1.nounB2
Definition

a type of fabric that has a short, thick layer of soft threads on one side, giving it a smooth and slightly shiny surface; used for making clothes, curtains, and covers for furniture

Example

Emma chose a deep burgundy velvet for her living room curtains.

uncountable noun for the fabric itself

The vintage evening bag was made of black velvet with gold clasps.

Common collocations
  • silk velvet
  • crushed velvet
  • black velvet
  • red velvet
  • velvet lining
  • velvet fabric
  • velvet curtains
  • velvet dress
  • velvet cushion
  • velvet gown
Synonyms
  • velveteen

    a cotton fabric that looks like velvet but is less expensive

  • corduroy

    a thicker fabric with visible ridges, different from velvet's smooth pile

Usage Note

Velvet is an uncountable noun when referring to the material itself. You can say 'a velvet dress' but you cannot say 'a velvet' alone — say 'a piece of velvet' or 'some velvet' instead.

Common Mistakes

I bought a velvet for my project.
I bought some velvet for my project.
velvet is an uncountable noun when referring to the fabric.
Idioms

an iron fist/hand (in a velvet glove)

idiom

a way of describing someone who seems gentle and kind on the surface but uses strict or harsh methods to control people or situations

The principal ran the school with an iron fist in a velvet glove, smiling at parents while enforcing strict rules on students.

The manager's velvet glove approach hides a determination to cut costs at any cost.

velvet — adjective

Word family

  • velvety
    adjectiveB2
  • velveteen
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/2

All four words describe a pleasing texture, but 'velvety' and 'velvet' (in this sense) carry a feeling of warmth and richness that 'smooth' and 'silky' do not. 'Smooth' is the most general term and can describe anything from a tabletop to a sea crossing, while 'silky' specifically suggests thin, fine smoothness like hair or fabric. 'Glossy' focuses on a shiny, reflective surface rather than a soft touch. Use 'velvet' or 'velvety' when you want to convey both smoothness and a deep, warm quality — for example, 'the velvet darkness of the cinema' or 'her velvety singing voice'.

velvetysmooth ↗silkyglossy

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • as soft as velvet
  • like velvet
  • made of velvet
  • covered in velvet

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinAnglo-FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

Velvet entered English from Anglo-French around the 14th century. The French word 'velvet' came from Latin 'villūtus', meaning 'shaggy' or 'hairy', which itself came from 'villus' — a tuft of hair or fibres. The connection to the fabric's short, dense pile of threads explains the name: early velvet makers named it for its hairy, fuzzy surface.