Back to Dictionary

Duvet

/ˈduːveɪ/

nounB1

Definition

A duvet is a type of bedding that is soft and warm. It is usually filled with feathers, down, or a synthetic material and covered with a fabric case. People use duvets instead of blankets to stay warm while sleeping.

Was this helpful?

Make this word yours

Save to Collection

In your personal learning flow

⚡ See It in Action

Bedding item used for warmth during sleep

  • •I bought a new duvet to keep warm during winter.
  • •The hotel provided a soft duvet on the bed.
  • •She prefers a feather-filled duvet for extra comfort.

🧲 Make It Stick

  • ✓Think of "duvet" like a "blanket," but thicker and fluffier, made to keep you very warm.
  • ✓Picture a big, soft cloud you can wrap yourself in during cold nights.
  • ✓It's the feeling of cozy warmth on a cold winter morning when you don't want to get out of bed.
  • ✓Sounds like "DOO-vay" → imagine a soft "doe" (a gentle deer) lying on a fluffy bed.
  • ✓Think of a hotel bed with a big, puffy cover that looks inviting and comfortable.
  • ✓NOT like a thin "sheet" (light and flat), a duvet is thick and soft.
  • ✓NOT like a "comforter" (similar but sometimes less fluffy or without a removable cover).
  • ✓NOT like a "blanket" (usually thinner and less warm).

🔄 Try Other Words

  • •Comforter: thick bedding filled with insulation (Use when referring to a similar warm bed cover, especially in North American English)
  • •Quilt: bedding with stitched patterns (Use when the bed cover has decorative stitching and is usually thinner)
  • •Blanket: flat covering for warmth (Use when the covering is thinner or simpler)

🔍 Unboxing

  • •Word parts: (none - "duvet" is a whole word)
  • •Etymology: From French "duvet," meaning "down" (soft feathers from birds)
  • •Historical development: Originally referred to the soft feathers inside, later used for the entire bedding item
  • •Modern usage: Used mainly in British English for a soft, warm bed cover filled with feathers or synthetic material
  • •Interesting fact: In some countries, people use a duvet cover to protect the duvet and make it easier to clean

💭 Reflect & Connect

•How does using a duvet change your feeling about going to bed on a cold night?
•Why do you think some cultures prefer duvets while others use blankets or quilts?

Fill in the blanks with the correct word:

1.People usually use a duvet filled with feathers or ___ material to stay warm.
2.A duvet is thicker and ___ than a regular blanket.
3.Unlike a sheet, a duvet provides ___ warmth during cold nights.
4.Many people use a duvet cover to keep the duvet ___ and clean.
5.Hotels often provide a soft duvet to make guests feel ___.
6.You would choose a duvet instead of a blanket when you want ___ warmth.
7.A duvet is NOT like a quilt because it usually does not have ___ stitching.