sleek

1 of 2

verb

ˈslēk 

sleeked; sleeking; sleeks

transitive verb

1

: slick

grooms sleeking cooled horses

—Sunset

2

: to cover up : gloss over

intransitive verb

: slick

sleek

2 of 2

adjective

1

a

: smooth and glossy as if polished

sleek dark hair

b

: having a smooth well-groomed look

sleek cattle

c

: healthy-looking

2

: smooth in speech or manner

also : unctuous

3

a

: having a prosperous air

sleek luxury condominiums

b

: having trim graceful lines

a sleek car

c

: elegant, stylish

a sleek wardrobe

sleekly adverb

sleekness noun

Synonyms

Adjective

• buffed
• burnished
• glistening
• glossy
• lustrous
• polished
• rubbed
• satin
• satiny

Choose the Right Synonym for sleek

sleek, slick, glossy mean having a smooth bright surface or appearance.

sleek suggests a smoothness or brightness resulting from attentive grooming or physical conditioning.

a sleek racehorse

slick suggests extreme smoothness that results in a slippery surface.

slipped and fell on the slick floor

glossy suggests a highly reflective surface.

photographs having a glossy finish

Examples of sleek in a Sentence

Adjective

the sleek lines of a sports car

a striking beauty with sleek raven hair

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Early adopters like Jennifer Lawrence have proved just how chic the bag can make any outfit look, from a plain white T-shirt and jeans to sleek trousers and a trench coat. —Alexis Bennett Parker, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2024

Each showed off their unique flair from sleek quiet luxury to abs-baring fashion to sleek menswear respectively. —Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 27 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English sleken, alteration of sliken — more at slick entry 2

Adjective

alteration of slick entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

sleek

1 of 2 verb

ˈslēk 

: to make or become sleek

sleek

2 of 2 adjective

1

a

: smooth and glossy as if polished

sleek dark hair

b

: having a smooth healthy well-groomed look

sleek cattle grazing

2

: having a prosperous look or manner

sleekly adverb

sleekness noun