silk

noun, often attributive \ ˈsilk \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 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

Honoring traditional Asian arts through her use of Hanji paper, Korean silk, and calligraphic brushstrokes, Moon employs such familiar images as blue-willow china patterns and Korean fans.

— matthew j. palm, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Jiha Moon explores culture, identity and perception at the Mennello Museum," 9 June 2018
During Trooping the Colour, the regiments carry the Queen’s colors – resplendent in crimson silk and a union flag design with a central gold circle bearing the regiment’s name – along with their own regimental colors.

— erin hill, PEOPLE.com, "It's the Most Royal Day of the Year! All About Trooping the Colour — and Meghan Markle's Debut," 8 June 2018
In the villa’s garden the boy meets the lovely Zinaida, the princess’s daughter, his elder by five years, who dresses in fine silk and speaks flawless French.

— dan hofstadter, WSJ, "Longing, Violence and Social Rank," 25 May 2018
But as handsome and funny as the male leads are, it’s Vikander–with her voice a mingling of silk and smoke–who holds our attention.

— stephanie zacharek, Time, "Could Ocean’s 8 Mark the Return of the Great Glam Caper?," 3 May 2018
Tod’s offers vivid scenic prints on a versatile silk scarf.

— melissa magsaysay, latimes.com, "Mother's Day gift guide: Show mom how much you care by giving her one of these gifts," 3 May 2018
The first generation of companies to harness yeasts, bacteria and fungi to make clothing may have originally set out to mimic silk and leather.

— jonathan kauffman, San Francisco Chronicle, "The next generation of clothing is coming. It’s made by microbes.," 19 Apr. 2018
And at least one of the pieces on display, a vest made of silk and gold thread, has a story to tell.

— punch shaw, star-telegram, "Massive exhibit at Kimbell captures couple's zeal for collecting, scope of Asian art | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 8 Mar. 2018
Fifty artists from throughout the Midwest will display and sell their wares made from precious materials, gemstones, sheet metal, silk and other media.

— joan rusek, cleveland.com, "Pancakes and Avant-garde art blow in with the March wind: Valley Views," 26 Feb. 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