silky

American  

[sil-kee] / ˈsɪl ki /

adjective

silkier, silkiest

1. of or like silk; smooth, lustrous, soft, or delicate.

   silky skin.

2. Botany. covered with fine, soft, closely set hairs, as a leaf.

---

silky British  

/ ˈsɪlkɪ /

adjective

1. resembling silk in texture; glossy

2. made of silk

3. (of a voice, manner, etc) suave; smooth

4. botany covered with long fine soft hairs

   silky leaves

---

Other Word Forms

• silkily adverb
• silkiness noun

Etymology

Origin of silky

First recorded in 1605–15; silk + -y ¹

Example Sentences

“I thought it was important to have this meeting,” Mr. Reardon said in a smooth, silky voice, looking carefully at Mom, then Dad, then Jonah and Katherine, each in turn.

From Literature

The fragrance of rose makes hair seem silkier, for instance.

From Science Daily

I run my fingers across the silky fabric, careful not to wrinkle it again.

From Literature

Someone instructs you to tear off pieces and dip them in the accompanying guava and plantain chutneys, silky chickpea curry and punchy pepper jelly, pooled around a peninsula of tangy cultured butter.

From The Wall Street Journal

For the pastina, I cook finely chopped carrots, onions, and celery until soft, then remove and blend about half until silky smooth.

From Salon

Related Words

• delicate
• glossy
• luxurious
• plush
• satiny
• silken
• sleek
• soft
• velvety