Main Difference
The main difference between Velvet and Plush is that the Velvet is a type of pile fabric and Plush is a warp pile fabric with a very long pile.
Velvet
Velvet is a type of woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are evenly distributed, with a short dense pile, giving it a distinctive soft feel. By extension, the word velvety means “smooth like velvet.” Velvet can be made from either synthetic or natural fibers.
Plush
Plush (from French peluche) is a textile having a cut nap or pile the same as fustian or velvet. Its softness of feel gave rise to the adjective “plush” to describe something soft or luxurious, which was extended to describe luxury accommodation, or something rich and full.Originally the pile of plush consisted of mohair or worsted yarn, but now silk by itself or with a cotton backing is used for plush, the distinction from velvet being found in the longer and less dense pile of plush. The soft material is largely used for upholstery and furniture purposes, and is also much employed in dress and millinery.
Modern plush are commonly manufactured from synthetic fibres such as polyester. One of the largest uses of this fabric is in the production of stuffed toys, with small plush toys made from plush fabric, such as teddy bears, to the point these are often addressed as “plush toys” or “plushes”. Plush is also one of the main materials for the construction of designer toys.
Velvet (noun)
A closely woven fabric (originally of silk, now also of cotton or man-made fibres) with a thick short pile on one side.
Velvet (noun)
Very fine fur, including the skin and fur on a deer’s antlers.
Velvet (noun)
A female chinchilla; a sow.
Velvet (noun)
The drug dextromethorphan.
Velvet (noun)
Money acquired by gambling.
Velvet (verb)
To cover with velvet or with a covering of a similar texture.
Velvet (verb)
To coat raw meat in starch, then in oil, preparatory to frying.
Velvet (verb)
To remove the velvet from a deer’s antlers.
Velvet (verb)
To soften; to mitigate.
Velvet (adjective)
Made of velvet.
Velvet (adjective)
Soft and delicate, like velvet; velvety.
Velvet (adjective)
peaceful, carried out without violence; especially as pertaining to the peaceful breakup of Czechoslovakia.
Plush (adjective)
Very extravagant.
Plush (adjective)
Very expensive, or appearing expensive.
“They lived in a plush apartment complex.”
Plush (adjective)
Having a soft, fluffy exterior.
“This plush toy is so cute and soft – I want it!”
Plush (noun)
A textile fabric with a nap or shag on one side, longer and softer than the nap of velvet.
Plush (noun)
A plush toy.
Velvet (noun)
a closely woven fabric of silk, cotton, or nylon, that has a thick short pile on one side
“an armchair covered in velvet”
“red velvet curtains”
Velvet (noun)
soft downy skin that covers a deer’s antler while it is growing
“the bucks are still in velvet”
“a moose was rubbing the velvet from his antlers”
Plush (noun)
a rich fabric of silk, cotton, wool, or a combination of these, with a long, soft nap
“plush upholstery”
Plush (adjective)
richly luxurious and expensive
“a plush Mayfair flat”