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

• 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

This lightweight, silky formula pairs broad-spectrum sun protection with antioxidant-rich white tea to help fend off free radicals and environmental stressors that can accelerate visible aging. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Sep. 2025

These eucalyptus sheets are silky soft, lightweight, and breathable, ranked a top contender in our best Amazon sheets, best cooling sheets, and best bed sheets overall. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2025

Maple and Francesca each opted for dresses, with the former donning a semi-sheer black number and the latter choosing a silky brown slip dress matching her father's color palette. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

This homey dish takes comforting canned tuna to richer, silkier heights. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025

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