silken

American  

[sil-kuhn] / ˈsɪl kən /

adjective

1. made of silk.

2. like silk in smoothness, softness, glossiness, or delicateness.

3. clad in silk.

4. smoothly persuasive or ingratiating; mellifluous.

   the senator's silken oratory.

5. elegant; luxurious.

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silken British  

/ ˈsɪlkən /

adjective

1. made of silk

2. resembling silk in smoothness or gloss

3. dressed in silk

4. soft and delicate

5. rare luxurious or elegant

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Etymology

Origin of silken

before 900; Middle English; Old English seolcen. See silk, -en ²

Explanation

If something is silken, it looks or feels as soft and shiny as silk. You can also describe things that feel like silk as silken, like your long silken hair that you coat with conditioner. The silken dress worn by a bride, or a silken scarf you wind around your neck may actually be made from the soft, slightly glossy material called silk. Your friend's long, silken hair, or a horse's silken mane, on the other hand, only resemble silk. Silken comes from the Latin word for "silk," sericum.

Example Sentences

Silken, rich and fragrant with spices, Guelaguetza’s moles are a thing of beauty in all their colors and flavors.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2024

Silken tofu takes the place of the eggs and milk in these tender waffles.

From Salon • Jan. 7, 2023

Silken dresses were draped and tied to the form, and carefully constructed satiny coats had peek-a-boo slits and were tied elegantly in the back, like an elaborate Japanese bow.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 21, 2022

Silken tofu and thousand-year eggs were placed on top of heirloom tomatoes.

From Washington Post • May 7, 2018

“Egads, boy! I’ve never seen such a privileged yet undeserving child. Your mother’s love for you knows no bounds! Silken trousers as well, can you believe it?”

From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis

Related Words

• lustrous
• satin
• satiny
• silky