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 of silky

• satin
• soft
• velvety

Examples of silky in a Sentence

The cat has a silky coat.

The material has a silky feel.

Recent Examples on the Web

On this day, four guests — clad in masks, snorkels, flippers, and dressed in all black to reduce the risk of being confused for a fish by the sharks — clung onto a safety line and watched as the silky sharks encircled them. — Kate Waxman, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2026

Instead, the sweet juices from the fresh tomatoes combine with the starchy pasta water to create a silky coating for the noodles. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

This ingredient is absolute magic here, adding umami without the need for stock and a touch of silky starch to thicken the pan sauce. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 July 2026

The exact layers are up to you, but a blouse and silky wide-leg pants can go anywhere, from the office to a spontaneous night out. — India Roby, Glamour, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing silky

• silky terrier

Rhymes for silky

• milky

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