silk

noun, often attributive

\ ˈsilk

Definition of silk

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

3a : 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

4a : 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

silk

verb

silked; silking; silks

Definition of silk (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

of corn

: to develop the silk

Other Words from silk Example Sentences Phrases Containing silk Learn More About silk

Examples of silk in a Sentence

Noun 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 on the Web: Noun Clothing became grander and more over-the-top, a reflection of the time’s prosperity as well as technological advances in textile production, which led to an influx of silk, tulle, and lace. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2022 Her hair hung like a skein of silk, immune to humidity. — New York Times, 5 Mar. 2022 And when its sunny side goes by, Its seeds of silk do grace the sky. — Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 4 Mar. 2022 Made out of 100% silk, the pajama shirt, $75; pants, $99; and matching eye mask, $39, are just what your mom wants. — Wendy Altschuler, Forbes, 14 Apr. 2022 The ballooning Erigone spider uses thin threads of spider silk to catch electric field currents and air currents. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 4 Apr. 2022 Their materials are simple: 12 singers and two percussionists along with some lengths of silk, large pieces of driftwood-like material and paper lanterns manipulated by six puppeteers. — Heidi Waleson, WSJ, 17 Mar. 2022 Elsewhere, a black silk gown whose embroideries gleamed like armor looked part heavenly princess, part warrior. — Thomas Adamson, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2022 Elsewhere, a black silk gown whose embroideries gleamed like armor looked part heavenly princess, part warrior. — Thomas Adamson, ajc, 28 Jan. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The company’s woven viscose bamboo threads are similar to silk and cashmere, offering luxury while remaining earth-friendly. — Jean Chen Smith, Cincinnati.com, 13 May 2020 In the end, a pink silked jockey named Javier Castellano rode City of Light in a victory that won him the the $9 million Pegasus World Cup and Chad Brown rode Bricks and Mortar to win the over $6 million prize Pegasus World Cup Turf. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2019 Strip away silks only and grill the ears inside their husks after a 20-minute soak in cold water. — Cheryl Slocum, Country Living, 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, 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, 11 Aug. 2017 See More

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.

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Dictionary Entries Near silk

siliquose

silk

silkaline

Statistics for silk

Last Updated

14 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Silk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silk. Accessed 21 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for silk

silk

noun

\ ˈsilk

Kids Definition of silk

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

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 surgical silk