sheen

1 of 3

adjective

ˈshēn 

1

archaic : beautiful

2

archaic : shining, resplendent

sheen

2 of 3

verb

sheened; sheening; sheens

intransitive verb

: to be bright : show a sheen

sheen

3 of 3

noun

1

a

: a bright or shining condition : brightness

b

: a subdued glitter approaching but short of optical reflection

c

: a lustrous surface imparted to textiles through finishing processes or use of shiny yarns

2

: a textile exhibiting notable sheen

sheeny

ˈshē-nē 

adjective

Synonyms of sheen

Noun

• gleam
• glow
• glint
• glare
• gloss
• luster
• shine
• polish
• shimmer

Examples of sheen in a Sentence

Noun

Her hair has a sheen to it.

polished the metal until it had an even sheen

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The sheen and square-toe box make these reminiscent of ballet pointe shoes. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2026

Hyaluronic acid can also restore sheen and overall luster. — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 10 June 2026

Verb

Again, this division lacks sheen, but all four members are viable winners. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 May 2026

Algae extract delivers a concentrated dose of minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, and B-vitamins restore body, sheen, and texture to strands dulled by damage. — Taylor Jean Stephan, Allure, 14 Apr. 2026

Noun

The sheen is light as a feather, blends like a dream, and at SPF 50, is a serious sunscreen in its own right. — Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

The cool-girl shoes have statement square toes and extra-high vamps, plus a super glossy sheen. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 3 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English shene, from Old English scīene; akin to Old English scēawian to look — more at show

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for sheen

• bean
• bein
• bien
• bouin
• clean
• deen
• diene
• gene
• glean
• jean
• keen
• lien

Kids Definition

sheen

noun

ˈshēn

: a bright or shining condition

the sheen of satin