silk

1 of 2

noun

ˈsilk 

often attributive

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

ˈsilk-ˌlīk 

adjective

silk

2 of 2

verb

silked; silking; silks

intransitive verb

of corn

: to develop the 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

And while Avignone sported an all-white uniform in a turtleneck and silk skirt with black accessories, Swift broke hers up with a simple black tank top, stiletto sandals, and Dior's Small 30 Montaigne Avenue Top Handle Bag. —Glamour, 9 Apr. 2026

Encased in blue chalcedony, set with diamonds and hung from a black silk ribbon, the piece is a contemporary interpretation of Baillères’ Mexican heritage. —Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026

From crisp, breathable cotton sheets that keep you cool in summer to luxurious silk or satin pillowcases that add a touch of elegance, the options are endless. —Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026

Kerry was wearing these jumpsuits his wife made that looked like green silk — sleeveless v-necks, very space age, and Captain Kirk-type wear. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1783, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silk

• (as) smooth as silk
• corn silk
• silk cotton
• silk-cotton tree
• silk gland
• silk hat
• silk moth
• silk oak
• silk screen
• silk-stocking
• silk tree
• sleave silk
• take silk
• tie silk

Rhymes for silk

• ilk
• whilk
• wilk
• buttermilk

Kids Definition

silk

noun

ˈsilk

1

: a fine continuous protein fiber produced by various insect larvae usually to form their cocoons

especially : a strong glossy elastic fiber produced by silkworms and used to weave cloth

2

: thread, yarn, or fabric made from silk

3

: something resembling silk: as

a

: the thread produced by a spider

b

: the cluster of thin threadlike parts at the end of an ear of corn that are styles of the ovaries

Medical Definition

silk

noun

ˈsilk 

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