silken

adjective

silk·​en ˈsil-kən 

1

: made or consisting of silk

2

: resembling silk: such as

a

: soft, lustrous

b(1)

: agreeably smooth : harmonious

a silken voice

(2)

: suave, ingratiating

3

a

: dressed in silk

silken ankles

b

: having a richly luxurious quality

the same silken surroundings encountered at the restaurant's far more expensive evening meal

—Elaine Tait

Synonyms

• silky
• satin
• soft

Examples of silken in a Sentence

the silken texture of the synthetic fabric

she was unaccustomed to living in such silken surroundings

Recent Examples on the Web

But unlike other family recipients — her mother, grandmother, aunt and sisters — the daughter felt that one of those classic silken accessories would not resonate with her free-flowing personality. —Staff, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2025

Tall, silken and placid, two of his subjects — the Hon. —Holland Cotter, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2025

With a voice both smoky and silken, Roberta Flack carved a distinguished impression. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025

What’s more, silken tofu also makes an excellent vegan substitute for egg yolks in Caesar dressing, or even sour cream and buttermilk in ranch-style dressings. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 30 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for silken

• milken

Kids Definition

silken

adjective

silk·​en ˈsil-kən 

1

: made of or with silk

2

: resembling silk especially in soft smooth feel

3

: pleasantly smooth

a silken voice