satin

[ sat-n ]

noun

1. 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.
2. satin weave.
3. a dress or other garment of satin:

   She wore her green satin.

adjective

1. of or like satin; smooth; glossy.
2. made of or covered or decorated with satin:

   a satin pillow.

satin

/ ˈsætɪn /

noun

1. a fabric of silk, rayon, etc, closely woven to show much of the warp, giving a smooth glossy appearance
2. modifier of or like satin in texture

   a satin finish

Derived Forms

• ˈsatin-ˌlike, adjective
• ˈsatiny, adjective

Other Words From

• satin·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of satin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of satin¹

C14: via Old French from Arabic zaitūnī of Zaytūn, Arabic rendering of Chinese Tseutung (now Tsinkiang ), port in southern China from which the cloth was probably first exported

Example Sentences

I also kept the knife’s liner and lock in satin, at no additional charge, for a subtle, classy look.

From Outside Online

Larraín may be trying to dive into the satin-and-sadness psyche of a misunderstood and persecuted woman.

From Time

She wears a satin baseball jacket over a tiny shorts outfit—she could almost be ready for church, if she just put on a longer skirt.

From Time

But what is it like with no Penelope Cruz pouting in sheer red satin, without the massed paparazzi, and screaming publicists?

From The Daily Beast

Marni Kotak sits on a gold-painted twin bed, wearing a gold satin nightgown, with matching bedsheets covering her legs.

From The Daily Beast

Before the spotlight shone a light on a soon-to-be abandoned black satin bra, she also condemned the effects of Obamacare.

From The Daily Beast

In the picture, Moss is dressed as a Playboy bunny in satin bunny ears, a black corset, and French cuffs.

From The Daily Beast

His tiny body is shown being held by tearful family members, then alone in powder blue satin coffin.

From The Daily Beast

The box of the diplomatic corps was just opposite us, and our gay little Mrs. F. sat in it dressed in white satin.

From Project Gutenberg

With her little satin shoe she tapped the carpet, biting her under lip and seeming to be listening.

From Project Gutenberg

It was all cherry satin and white lace, the furniture lilliputian, to match the proportions of the room and the lady.

From Project Gutenberg

The golden shimmer of Edna's satin gown spread in rich folds on either side of her.

From Project Gutenberg

She took his arm, which he offered her, holding up the weight of her satin train with the other hand.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• glistening
• polished
• shiny
• silky