Word
plush
US/ˈpɫəʃ/
UK/plˈʌʃ/
Definitions
01luxurious and expensive
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. expensive, comfortable, and of high quality.
adj. characterised by luxury, opulence, or expensive taste; often used to describe interiors or accommodations.
“The hotel lobby was very plush, with gold decorations and soft velvet chairs.”
“The executive suite featured plush furnishings and a panoramic view of the skyline, justifying its premium nightly rate.”
02soft and thick
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having a thick, soft surface that feels good to touch.
adj. having a long, soft, and dense nap or pile, similar to velvet but typically deeper.
“I love walking barefoot on this plush new carpet.”
“The designer specified a plush mohair fabric for the upholstery to ensure maximum tactile comfort for the clients.”
03a stuffed toy
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun American English
n. a soft toy filled with air or soft material, usually for children.
n. a soft toy, typically an animal, constructed from plush fabric and stuffed with flexible material.
“The toddler wouldn't go to sleep without her favourite bear plush.”
“The gift shop was filled with various plushies, ranging from traditional teddy bears to modern cartoon characters.”
Synonyms
04a type of fabric
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Technical
n. a type of cloth that is very soft and has a thick surface.
n. a textile fabric with a nap or shag on one side that is longer and softer than velvet.
“The curtains were made of a heavy red plush that blocked out all the light.”
“The restoration committee insisted on sourcing authentic silk plush to match the original nineteenth-century theatre seats.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the material itself.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Human astronaut Sophie Adenaut brought a Pikachu plush up to the International Space Station, where it spent 67 days in orbit.” Etymology
From French peluche (“fluff, plush”). The fact that historically (in past centuries) plush upholstery was so expensive as to be socially exclusive undoubtedly connects the senses of "luxurious" and "soft".
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/plush