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

• cottony
• downy
• satin
• satiny
• silken
• silklike
• soft
• velvetlike
• velvety

Examples of silky in a Sentence

The cat has a silky coat.

The material has a silky feel.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sinners is one of the great vampire movies of the modern age, mining the legend of these perpetual outsiders who desperately yearn to belong, but whose silky promises are rooted in treachery. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 29 Apr. 2025

Legends Luxury Hewett Luxe Smooth Egyptian Cotton Sateen Bed Sheet Set $349 $279 The Company Store Cotton sateen bed sheets are some of the smoothest, silkiest pieces to sleep on. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2025

In addition to their silky texture, the sheets have a durable design that’s easy to care for. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Chilean coastal Pinot Noir showcases vibrant colors—slightly more intense than cool-climate counterparts elsewhere due to the intense afternoon sunlight—with characteristic sweet and sour cherry aromas complemented by wet earth notes and silky textures. —Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 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