satin
Americannoun
-
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.
-
a dress or other garment of satin.
She wore her green satin.
adjective
-
of or like satin; smooth; glossy.
-
made of or covered or decorated with satin.
a satin pillow.
noun
-
a fabric of silk, rayon, etc, closely woven to show much of the warp, giving a smooth glossy appearance
-
(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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Out Of Whole Cloth: Material Words
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Fabulous Fabrics
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
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
Reformation imagines a world where homemaking is sequins and satin.
From Salon • Nov. 9, 2025
Some reached into the past, slinky in ’90s Roberto Cavalli satin or structured in ’80s shoulder-padded blazers.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2025
I could clearly see the results of my labor: the long satin scarves and magazine covers were very real to me.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
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.
