silky

adjective

ˈsil-kē 

silkier; silkiest

1

a(1)

: silken sense 1

(2)

: silken sense 2

b

: smooth or fluid in motion

silky dance moves

2

: having or covered with fine soft hairs, plumes, or scales

silkily

ˈsil-kə-lē 

adverb

silkiness

ˈsil-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of silky

• satin
• soft
• velvety

Examples of silky in a Sentence

The cat has a silky coat.

The material has a silky feel.

Recent Examples on the Web

What the image doesn’t show is that after the kill, other scavengers, including silky sharks, were drawn to the remains, showing how one event can impact and nurture an entire marine food web. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Now Pedicularis had emerged as one of the first heralds of the Arctic summer, its stems wrapped in grayish, silky hairs that protect it like a warm winter coat. — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026

Bridal pajamas take on many forms—and the best ones, complete with feather embellishments and silky fabrics, are really pretty fabulous. — Lea Donenberg, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026

Brilliant banana chocolate cannoli hold chocolate ganache and silky custard made with the utterly nostalgic Banana Flavored Milk from Korea. — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing silky

• silky terrier

Rhymes for silky

• milky

Kids Definition

silky

adjective

ˈsil-kē 

silkier; silkiest

1

: soft and smooth as silk

2

: having or covered with fine soft hairs, plumes, or scales

silkily

-kə-lē 

adverb

silkiness

-kē-nəs 

noun