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Synonyms

silky

American  
[sil-kee] / ˈsɪl ki /

adjective

silkier, silkiest
  1. of or like silk; smooth, lustrous, soft, or delicate.

    silky skin.

  2. Botany. covered with fine, soft, closely set hairs, as a leaf.


silky British  
/ ˈsɪlkɪ /

adjective

  1. resembling silk in texture; glossy

  2. made of silk

  3. (of a voice, manner, etc) suave; smooth

  4. botany covered with long fine soft hairs

    silky leaves

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of silky

First recorded in 1605–15; silk + -y 1

Explanation

Silky is an adjective describing something smooth, soft, and glossy — like your friend's silky hair or the silky fabric of a formal gown. Silky is a textural description, and it can be used to describe food, fabric, or hair. The word can also be used to describe vocal textures, as well. Someone might say about Frank Sinatra, "His silky smooth voice and his innovative lyrics will be around for quite some time."

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Vocabulary lists containing silky

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Her thoughts are echoed by Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, who plays the kind-hearted fairy Silky.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

Among the horses that competed at Golden Gate Fields was 1948 Triple Crown winner Citation, John Henry, Shared Belief, and come-from-behind specialist Silky Sullivan, who is buried in the track’s infield.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 16, 2023

Three years after the viral sensation and All-American gymnast’s graduation from UCLA, life became mornings with beloved cats Bonnie, Clyde and Silky.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2022

Dove’s Silky Smooth Dark Chocolate began sporting the alliance’s green frog seal in January 2012.

From Washington Post • Oct. 29, 2019

The volume titled Silky Mischief, in which Rainbow’s gentle influence saves an ill-tempered pony on a neighboring farm from a gruesome fate, left an especially lasting impression.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood

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