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

Plus, this 100% cotton velour towel reminds us of Palm Beach thanks to its punchy pattern. —Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2025

Stationed there was a shopping cart covered with a dark-green velour rug. —Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 2 June 2025

Jo comes down the stairs wearing a bright pink Juicy velour sweatsuit and wielding a gun. —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 16 May 2025

Jodie Turner-Smith, too, opted for a fall look in a cropped wool sweater and cotton velour pants. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 13 May 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