sleek

1 of 2

adjective

1
a
: smooth and glossy as if polished
sleek dark hair
b
: having a smooth well-groomed look
sleek cattle
c
: healthy-looking
2
: smooth in speech or manner
also : unctuous
3
a
: having a prosperous air
sleek luxury condominiums
b
: having trim graceful lines
a sleek car
c
: elegant, stylish
a sleek wardrobe
sleekly adverb
sleekness noun

sleek

2 of 2

verb

sleeked; sleeking; sleeks

transitive verb

1
: slick
grooms sleeking cooled horsesSunset
2
: to cover up : gloss over
Choose the Right Synonym for sleek

sleek, slick, glossy mean having a smooth bright surface or appearance.

sleek suggests a smoothness or brightness resulting from attentive grooming or physical conditioning.

a sleek racehorse

slick suggests extreme smoothness that results in a slippery surface.

slipped and fell on the slick floor

glossy suggests a highly reflective surface.

photographs having a glossy finish

Examples of sleek in a Sentence

Adjective the sleek lines of a sports car a striking beauty with sleek raven hair
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
Whereas actual suits from the era were padded to the gods, the new iterations have a more streamlined feel—the sharp shoulders are juxtaposed against sleek bottoms. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024 The Only Murders in the Building star wore a sleek Ellie Saab Couture Duchesse off-the-shoulder gown in black satin with panels wrapped across the bodice, creating a streamlined silhouette, and a taffeta skirt with a short train. Escher Walcott, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
Over the past few decades, PCs have evolved from large clunky devices to sleek powerhouses. George Toh, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 From chunky moto boots to sleek thigh-highs, the shoe style — much like a good coat — is a wardrobe staple that can make an outfit. Vivien Lee, refinery29.com, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sleek 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

alteration of slick entry 1

Verb

Middle English sleken, alteration of sliken — more at slick entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleek was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near sleek

Cite this Entry

“Sleek.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleek. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sleek

1 of 2 verb
: to make or become sleek

sleek

2 of 2 adjective
1
a
: smooth and glossy as if polished
sleek dark hair
b
: having a smooth healthy well-groomed look
sleek cattle grazing
2
: having a prosperous look or manner
sleekly adverb
sleekness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sleek

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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