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
Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Rex begonias are famous for their foliage, with certain types featuring a metallic sheen or mesmerizing swirl patterns.
—Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026
Sam Reed, Glamour, 22 Jan. 2026
The brand is also offering up to 30% off their inventory, and we are particularly drawn to their darker, more moody styles like this slightly sheen navy number.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
This Haven throw pillow makes use of the color in a fadeproof Sunbrella fabric with a slight sheen to it.
—Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sheen
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Adjective
Three Rivers Waterkeeper says a sheen forms on the water when a substantial amount of pollution gets into it, which is what's causing the environmental group so much alarm.
—Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Rex begonias are famous for their foliage, with certain types featuring a metallic sheen or mesmerizing swirl patterns.
—Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
Men have been doing it for decades, flitting between the low-brow and the high-brow without losing any of their Serious Actor sheen in the process.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 22 Jan. 2026
The brand is also offering up to 30% off their inventory, and we are particularly drawn to their darker, more moody styles like this slightly sheen navy number.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025
Noun
The series traded on the glamorous sheen of their mythos but never cracked below it.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
This Haven throw pillow makes use of the color in a fadeproof Sunbrella fabric with a slight sheen to it.
—Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 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 31 Mar. 2026.
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