silk

1 of 2

noun

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
silklike 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
Just a tiny bit of its neem oil, coconut oil, and silk protein combo is all thirsty hair needs to feel quenched and look beautifully conditioned. Allure, 26 Sep. 2024 For that extra touch of discerning luxury, the hotel has partnered with local Mayfair artisans to offer items such as silk dressing gowns by New & Lingwood in the signature suites and a bespoke scent created by Ormonde Jayne that is diffused throughout the reception area. Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 26 Sep. 2024
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 See all Example Sentences for silk 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'silk.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of silk was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near silk

Cite this Entry

“Silk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silk. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

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
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

More from Merriam-Webster on silk

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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