Velcro
Velcro (noun) means a fastening system made of two fabric strips — one covered in tiny hooks, the other in tiny loops — that grip together when pressed and pull apart easily. Example: “The kids' shoes fasten with Velcro instead of laces.”
How to use Velcro
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe classic hook-and-loop fastener brand name, now used generically for any similar fastening strip.
Technically a trademark, but almost everyone uses "Velcro" generically for any hook-and-loop fastener, similar to how "hoover" is used for vacuum cleaners in the UK.
Word forms
Velcroed past tense, Velcros singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The kids' shoes fasten with _____ instead of laces.
Etymology
A blend of French velours ("velvet") and crochet ("hook"), reflecting the hook-and-loop design.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Velcro” mean?
The word “Velcro” means a fastening system made of two fabric strips — one covered in tiny hooks, the other in tiny loops — that grip together when pressed and pull apart easily. In plain terms, the classic hook-and-loop fastener brand name, now used generically for any similar fastening strip.
How do you pronounce “Velcro”?
“Velcro” is pronounced VEHLK-roh (/ˈvɛlkɹoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Velcro” in a sentence?
Here is “Velcro” used in a sentence: “The kids' shoes fasten with Velcro instead of laces.”
What part of speech is “Velcro”?
Depending on how it is used, “Velcro” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “Velcro” come from?
The word “Velcro” comes from French. A blend of French velours ("velvet") and crochet ("hook"), reflecting the hook-and-loop design.
How many meanings does “Velcro” have?
“Velcro” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fastening system made of two fabric strips — one covered in tiny hooks, the other in tiny loops — that grip together when pressed and pull apart easily.