satin
Americannoun
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a fabric in a warp-effect or filling-effect satin weave, as acetate, rayon, nylon, or silk, often having a glossy face and a soft, slippery texture.
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a dress or other garment of satin.
She wore her green satin.
adjective
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of or like satin; smooth; glossy.
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made of or covered or decorated with satin.
a satin pillow.
noun
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a fabric of silk, rayon, etc, closely woven to show much of the warp, giving a smooth glossy appearance
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(modifier) of or like satin in texture
a satin finish
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of satin
1325–75; Middle English satyn ( e ) < Middle French satin, probably < Arabic ( aṭlas ) zaytūnī (satin) of Zaitun a city in China where the cloth was made, probably Tsinkiang
Explanation
Satin is a soft and shiny type of fabric. Satin is commonly used to make nightgowns, dresses, baseball jackets, and even fancy bed sheets. You can identify a material as satin from its dull back and glossy front. This is a result of the way satin is woven, from fibers made of silk, rayon, or polyester. Sometimes bed sheets and upholstery are also made from satin. The word satin was originally Old French, believed to come from the Arabic zaytuni, and be influenced by the Latin word seta, both meaning "satin."
Vocabulary lists containing satin
Bill Withers (1938–2020) Tribute List
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Out Of Whole Cloth: Material Words
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Fabulous Fabrics
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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.
The men, with their hands wrapped in satin white gloves, each held identical 14-karat gold rings for their betrothed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 2026
The pieces, like these breathable nylon satin Game shorts, are designed for style and function both on and off the pitch, whether you’re wearing them to a real scrimmage or just one you’re dreaming of.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2026
Much of the exhibition is set in Bess's bedchamber, and the violet satin dress which will be on display is described as "a rare survivor of its time" and recorded in Hardwick's inventories of 1601.
From BBC ● Apr. 26, 2026
In her formalwear, Elizabeth favored elaborate embroidery of satin, lace, and silk that incorporated pearls, crystals and sequins.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 9, 2026
Marlena asks obligingly, lifting her other leg and wrapping the broad satin ribbon around her ankle.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
