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
- satin-like adjective
- satinlike adjective
- satiny adjective
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
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.
They embellished their sewing accessories with satin, velvet and ribbons for the public.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
On view are examples of bulbous book bindings, acid-etched vases, satin capes, parchment-covered cabinets, angular decanters, diamond-decorated cloche hats, geometric malachite brooches, stark bas-reliefs, Brancusi-faced collar ads, and boxy, black-lacquer screens.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025
Holly, 34, from Reading, hunted in charity shops and vintage fairs for foil decorations, satin baubles, tablecloths and china.
From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025
On top of the book lies a giant lipstick-stained wine glass, and an actor lying face down in a bubble-shaped, burgundy satin cloak — or, Drew Rollins playing the role of spilled wine.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025
I put on my pajamas and my satin bonnet and climb in bed with her.
From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas
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.
