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
Synonyms of sheen
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
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026
The idea here is to offer three properties in one formula—exfoliating, moisturizing, and lip color—via six modern shades that impart a sheen finish.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026
Taylor Jean Stephan, Allure, 14 Apr. 2026
There’s a painterly look to the image, rather than the typical slop-style sickly sheen, but the AI origins are still unmistakable.
—Cath Virginia, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2026
Dennis Lim, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
These have a rubbery exterior with a sheen of oil, and a bland custard inside.
—Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sheen
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Adjective
The Cicy Bell Midi Skirt stands out with its fluid silhouette and subtle sheen, while details like lace trim elevate it even further.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026
The idea here is to offer three properties in one formula—exfoliating, moisturizing, and lip color—via six modern shades that impart a sheen finish.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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
There’s a painterly look to the image, rather than the typical slop-style sickly sheen, but the AI origins are still unmistakable.
—Cath Virginia, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
Cameras now deploy ever higher frame rates, as seen in the uncanny sheen of blockbusters by James Cameron and Peter Jackson, and films are shot, shown, and restored on ever higher resolutions (4K, 8K, and beyond).
—Dennis Lim, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
These have a rubbery exterior with a sheen of oil, and a bland custard inside.
—Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sheen
Cite this Entry
“Sheen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheen. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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