silk

noun, often attributive \ ˈsilk \

|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

Definition of silk

1 : a fine continuous protein fiber produced by various insect larvae usually for cocoons; especially : a lustrous tough elastic fiber produced by silkworms and used for textiles

2 : thread, yarn, or fabric made from silk filaments

3 a : a garment of silk

b (1) : a distinctive silk gown worn by a King's or Queen's Counsel

(2) : a King's or Queen's Counsel

c silks plural : the colored cap and blouse of a jockey or harness horse driver made in the registered racing color of the employing stable

4 a : a filament resembling silk; especially : one produced by a spider

b : silky material

milkweed silk

; especially : the styles of an ear of corn

5 : parachute

—

silklike

play \ˈsilk-ˌlīk\ adjective

See silk defined for English-language learners

See silk defined for kids

Examples of silk in a Sentence

a variety of silks and satins
The robe has butterflies embroidered in silk on the sleeves.
the silk of a spider's web

Recent Examples of silk from the Web

Shot by Steven Meisel, the campaign features not only images of Selena, but also a whole gang of cool girls and boys wearing a combination of shearling, leather, lace, and silk.

— avery matera, Teen Vogue, "Selena Gomez Stars in Coach Fall 2018 Ads," 2 July 2018
There’s something telling about the six words, embodying ambiguity in the fullest sense of that term, that were silk-screened insouciantly onto the jacket that was worn to the photo-op.

— megan garber, The Atlantic, "Schrödinger’s Coat," 22 June 2018
To make your new baby waves and curls last, keep your hands off of them during the day and swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk one at night.

— chloe metzger, Marie Claire, "Finally: How to Make Your Aggressively Straight Hair Hold a Curl," 29 May 2018
Smith crossed the finish line at Churchill Downs with only a few specks of mud on his white and green silks in the rainiest Derby in the race's 144-year history.

— beth harris, courant.com, "Justify Wins Sloppy Kentucky Derby, Baffert Gets Fifth Title," 6 May 2018
Wei, Qiang, and Lina grew up together in a remote silk-producing village.

— terry hong, The Christian Science Monitor, "'What We Were Promised' depicts post-Mao China in a deft debut novel set in Shanghai," 13 July 2018
Brod means pride in Gaelic, and Sioda means silk. Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?

— maura hohman, PEOPLE.com, "Harry Was Right! The Queen’s Corgis Aren’t the Only Dogs Who’ve Fallen in Love with Meghan Markle," 11 July 2018
Beyoncé wore a tie-dye silk floral wrap dress from MSGM’s Spring 2018 collection on a walk through Lake Como on Saturday, accessorizing with an on-trend mini bag and Manolo Blahnik PVC mules.

— janelle okwodu, Vogue, "The Carters Enjoy a High-Fashion Roman Holiday," 9 July 2018
The gown had been inspired by the Queen's own wedding dress, and was made from white silk with a handmade lace overlay.

— elizabeth angell, Town & Country, "Prince Louis's Christening Dress Has a Fascinating History," 9 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'silk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of silk

Middle English, from Old English seolc, sioluc, probably ultimately from Greek sērikos silken — more at sericeous

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

silk

verb

Definition of silk

silked; silking; silks

intransitive verb

of corn

: to develop the silk

Recent Examples of silk from the Web

Strip away silks only and grill the ears inside their husks after a 20-minute soak in cold water.

— cheryl slocum, Country Living, "Truffle Oil, Garlic, and Parmesan Grilled Corn," 14 May 2011
Harbison, Fall 2014 His collaboration with Jim Thompson, silks that today are mostly considered for interiors not clothing, is just another example of how designers are increasingly blurring the lines between decor and fashion.

— sarah bray, ELLE Decor, "Why We're Seeing Home Fabrics On The Runways," 12 May 2014
Back in the U.S., Variety held its Power of Young Hollywood party, where Zendaya, Charli XCX, Yara Shahidi, and more walked the red (well, black) carpet in everything from Swarovski crystal suits to silk pajamas.

— vanityfair.com, "Week in Fashion: Rihanna Hits Crop Over," 11 Aug. 2017

First Known Use of silk

1783

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

SILK Defined for English Language Learners

silk

noun

Definition of silk for English Language Learners

: a smooth, soft, and shiny cloth that is made from thread produced by silkworms; also : the thread that is used to make silk
: the thread that is produced by a spider
: the thin strings in an ear of corn

SILK Defined for Kids

silk

noun \ ˈsilk \

Definition of silk for Students

1 : a fine fiber that is spun by many insect larvae usually to form their cocoon or by spiders to make their webs and that includes some kinds used for weaving cloth

2 : thread, yarn, or fabric made from silk

3 : the threadlike strands that are found over the kernels of an ear of corn

Medical Dictionary

silk

noun \ ˈsilk \

medical Definition of silk

1 : a fine continuous protein fiber produced by various insect larvae usually for cocoons; especially : a lustrous tough elastic fiber produced by silkworms and used for textiles

2 : strands of silk thread of various thicknesses used as suture material in surgery