silky

adjective

ˈsil-kē 

silkier; silkiest

1

a(1)

: silken sense 1

(2)

: silken sense 2

b

: smooth or fluid in motion

silky dance moves

2

: having or covered with fine soft hairs, plumes, or scales

silkily

ˈsil-kə-lē 

adverb

silkiness

ˈsil-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• cottony
• downy
• satin
• satiny
• silken
• silklike
• soft
• velvetlike
• velvety

Examples of silky in a Sentence

The cat has a silky coat.

The material has a silky feel.

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the most impressive dishes was her elevated take on pho, which had an intense broth with oxtail and brisket, fragrant with Thai and lemon basil, and served wide, silky handmade rice noodles. —Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2024

It’s made with a silky satin fabric and is super figure-flattering because of the elastic cinch at the waist. —Jean Chen Smith, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2024

Chic maxi dresses reigned supreme last summer, and Meghan Markle recently elevated that trend in a silky high-neck maxi dress — stylish enough for a formal engagement but breezy enough for an afternoon in the sun. —Grace Smith, Peoplemag, 31 May 2024

The icing on the cake (literally) is a gorgeously silky and wonderfully tart Key lime glaze. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 29 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing silky

• silky terrier

Kids Definition

silky

adjective

ˈsil-kē 

silkier; silkiest

1

: soft and smooth as silk

2

: having or covered with fine soft hairs, plumes, or scales

silkily

-kə-lē 

adverb

silkiness

-kē-nəs 

noun