silken

adjective

silk·​en ˈsil-kən 

1

: made or consisting of silk

2

: resembling silk: such as

a

: soft, lustrous

b(1)

: agreeably smooth : harmonious

a silken voice

(2)

: suave, ingratiating

3

a

: dressed in silk

silken ankles

b

: having a richly luxurious quality

the same silken surroundings encountered at the restaurant's far more expensive evening meal

—Elaine Tait

Synonyms

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

Examples of silken in a Sentence

the silken texture of the synthetic fabric

she was unaccustomed to living in such silken surroundings

Recent Examples on the Web

Separately, Max Mara revealed silken silhouettes such as turbans and gorgeous button-ups with matching trousers. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 8 Jan. 2025

Roasted cabbage — silken and sweet with charred edges — becomes the base for the parm treatment, while chunky croutons replace the shower of breadcrumbs. —Margaux Laskey, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024

While some silken pieces are emblazoned with animal prints others are created with sequins throughout. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 6 Dec. 2024

Murphy’s silken melodies coast under Graham Sayle’s coarse dispatches, while a skittering snare beat propels everything forward. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

silken

adjective

silk·​en ˈsil-kən 

1

: made of or with silk

2

: resembling silk especially in soft smooth feel

3

: pleasantly smooth

a silken voice