slinky

adjective

ˈsliŋ-kē 

slinkier; slinkiest

1

: characterized by slinking : stealthily quiet

slinky movements

2

: sleek and sinuous in movement or outline

especially : following the lines of the figure in a gracefully flowing manner

a slinky evening gown

slinkily

ˈsliŋ-kə-lē 

adverb

slinkiness

ˈsliŋ-kē-nəs 

noun

Examples of slinky in a Sentence

The dancers wore slinky costumes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Crisp poplin picks aren’t the only nighties worth noting—longline maxis have endless versatility throughout the season, as do slinky black slips. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

No actress this century has been able to match Hathaway's slinky, shifty take on small-time thief Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026

The actress wore a slinky white strapless gown, while Yarmosky wore all-black. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 8 Aug. 2026

If slips and slinky silk camis aren’t exactly your vibe, pajama separates and loungewear prove both comfortable and chic. — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for slinky

• dinky
• inky
• kinky
• pinkie
• pinky
• stinky

Kids Definition

slinky

adjective

ˈsliŋ-kē 

slinkier; slinkiest

1

: sneakily quiet

slinky movements

2

: following the lines of the figure in a gracefully flowing manner

slinky dresses