velvet

Everyday

1. A soft cloth with a thick, short, fluffy surface on one side, often used for fancy clothes, curtains and cushions. tree →
2. (figurative) Something very soft and smooth, like a voice or skin. tree →
3. The soft furry skin on a deer's new antlers. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and descriptions, velvet suggests richness and softness: a velvet cloak, velvet curtains in a theatre. In science, deer antlers grow covered in velvet. Phrases: red velvet cake, velvety soft, The Velveteen Rabbit (a children's story with velveteen, a similar cloth).

Examples

• The queen wore a long velvet cloak. tree →
• The theatre had heavy red velvet curtains. tree →
• The puppy's ears felt like velvet. tree →
• Mum made a red velvet cake for my birthday. tree →
• The young deer's antlers were covered in velvet. tree →
• She sang in a soft, velvety voice. tree →
• The King himself has not such a velvet coat. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable. Adjective velvety means soft like velvet. Velcro and velour are different things.