silk

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noun, often attributive \ ˈsilk \

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

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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

At stake was whether Melania’s look — slim black pants, face-framing blowout, green silk bomber, mirrored aviators, and sky-high snakeskin stilettos — was appropriately sober and practical for communing with victims of biblical-level flooding.

— rhonda garelick, The Cut, "Melania Trump and the Chilling Artifice of Fashion," 30 Aug. 2017
Both the wallpaper and the silk have touches of coral in them.

— m. k. quinlan, House Beautiful, "This Bold Vacation Home Will Make You Want to Hit the Flea Market," 23 Aug. 2017
In an azalea-pink silk tie and midnight-black Brioni suit, Ronnie Lamarque looked like a million bucks during a recent visit to his flagship Ford dealership on Williams Boulevard.

— doug maccash, NOLA.com, "Ronnie Lamarque: Charismatic car dealer is revving up his crooning career," 23 Aug. 2017
What are the building blocks of your style: Rebecca: Different colored jeans with a silk blouse or T-shirt and scarf and boots.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "Back-to-college fashion advice from Crestwood teen and her stylish mom," 18 Aug. 2017
Dressed in a dramatic red silk gown, J.Law appears to gaze wistfully at the New York City harbor as the Statue of Liberty looms in the background.

— maggie mallon, Glamour, "There's Now a Political Conspiracy Theory About Jennifer Lawrence's Vogue Cover," 11 Aug. 2017
Lance Burton and Mac King stood in front of a glass counter filled with magic wands, playing cards and colorful silks holding up a copy of the Courier-Journal for everyone in the store to see.

— thomas novelly, The Courier-Journal, "Harry Potter's got nothing on these Vegas magicians with Louisville roots," 14 July 2017
Suit/Coat Lining Repair Few sounds are as unmistakable (and disappointing) as that of tearing silk.

— marielle wakim, Los Angeles Magazine, "Best of LA: 92 of Our Favorite Things to Eat, Do, and Buy Right Now," 14 July 2017
The ink would mix in the water and then the silk was laid flat and then after being partially dried with a device similar to a ringer, a scarf or cape would be created.

— daniel i. dorfman, chicagotribune.com, "Botanic Garden Art Festival pulls back the curtain from artistic process," 10 July 2017

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

See Words from the same year

silk

verb

Definition of silk

intransitive verb

of corn

:to develop the silk

Recent Examples of silk from the Web

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

SILK Defined for English Language Learners

silk

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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

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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

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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