velveteen

IPA/ˈvelvətiːn/
KK[vˈɛlvətˌin]IPA/ˈvelvətiːn/

velveteen — noun

1. A smooth cotton cloth that has a dense, short layer of threads on one side, made

1.nounB1
Definition

A smooth cotton cloth that has a dense, short layer of threads on one side, made to feel soft and resemble velvet while costing less.

Example

Leo wore a dark green velveteen jacket to his sister's wedding.

attributive use: velveteen + garment (jacket, dress, coat)

The old armchair in the living room was covered in faded blue velveteen.

uncountable: covered in [fabric name]

Common collocations
  • velveteen jacket
  • velveteen dress
  • velveteen curtains
  • velveteen cushion
  • soft velveteen
  • faded velveteen
  • cream velveteen
  • dark green velveteen
  • made of velveteen
  • covered in velveteen
Synonyms
  • velvet

    The more expensive fabric that velveteen is designed to imitate; velvet has a longer, thicker pile and is typically made of silk, rayon, or synthetic blends rather than cotton.

  • corduroy

    A cotton fabric with a distinct ribbed or ridged pile, unlike velveteen which has a smooth, uniform surface.

  • chenille

    A soft, fuzzy fabric with a raised pile that feels thicker and heavier than velveteen's finer, denser surface.

Antonyms
  • velvet

    The more luxurious silk-based fabric that velveteen imitates at a lower cost; velvet is generally more formal and expensive.

Usage Note

Frequently used attributively before nouns describing items made from the fabric (a velveteen dress, velveteen cushions, velveteen curtains). As a material noun, it is typically uncountable (some soft velveteen, made of velveteen), but can be countable when referring to different varieties (a soft cotton velveteen, several fine velveteens).

Common Mistakes

She bought velvet curtains because she wanted something cheap for the play.
She bought velveteen curtains because she wanted something cheap for the play.
Velvet is made of silk or synthetic fibers and is expensive; velveteen is made of cotton and costs much less.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Velveteen, velvet, corduroy, and chenille are all fabrics with a soft, raised surface, but they differ in material, texture, and cost. Velvet is the most luxurious: made of silk or polyester with a dense, smooth pile that drapes elegantly, used for evening wear and formal upholstery. Velveteen is its cotton-based cousin, with a shorter, tighter pile that is less shiny and more durable, making it suitable for everyday clothing at a lower price. Corduroy, also cotton, is distinguished by its parallel ribs running vertically, giving a textured, striped look that velveteen lacks. Chenille is the softest and heaviest of the group, with a fuzzy pile made from twisted yarns, often used for blankets and cozy sweaters. For a beginner sewing a costume on a budget, velveteen offers a velvet-like appearance without the high cost; for curtains, heavier chenille may be more practical.

velvet ↗corduroy ↗chenille

Common collocations

Nouns

  • velveteen jacket
  • velveteen dress
  • velveteen curtains
  • velveteen cushion
  • velveteen pouch
  • velveteen fabric

Phrases

  • a piece of velveteen
  • a meter of velveteen
  • faded blue velveteen
  • cream-colored velveteen

Prepositions

  • made of velveteen
  • covered in velveteen

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Velveteen was formed in the mid-18th century by adding the suffix -een (a variant of -ine, meaning 'resembling' or 'made of') to the noun velvet. The name literally means 'velvet-like,' reflecting that the fabric was developed as an affordable cotton alternative to the more expensive silk velvet. Velvet itself entered English from Old French veluotte (later velvet), based on Latin villus meaning 'shaggy hair' or 'tuft of hair.'

First known use

1776

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1