often attributive
1
: a fine continuous protein fiber produced by various insect larvae usually for cocoons
especially
: a lustrous tough elastic fiber produced by silkworms and used for textiles
2
: thread, yarn, or fabric made from silk filaments
3
a
: a garment of silk
b(1)
: a distinctive silk gown worn by a King's or Queen's Counsel
(2)
: a King's or Queen's Counsel
c
silks plural
: the colored cap and blouse of a jockey or harness horse driver made in the registered racing color of the employing stable
4
a
: a filament resembling silk
especially
: one produced by a spider
b
: silky material
milkweed silk
especially
: the styles of an ear of corn
5
Examples of silk in a Sentence
Noun
a variety of silks and satins
The robe has butterflies embroidered in silk on the sleeves.
the silk of a spider's web
Recent Examples on the Web
Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2024
The lightweight formula quickly sinks in and doesn't transfer to clothes or silk pillowcases, even during sweaty moments.
—Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
For the occasion, Markle chose an Oscar de la Renta silk shirtdress with a watercolor floral motif on the skirt.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2024
The black silk garment, which Elton John donated at a charity auction in 1990, sold for $29,250—way more than its original $6,000 estimate.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024
If your bonnet or durag is prone to falling off at night, a silk pillowcase is an extra guard to prevent friction.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 1 Apr. 2024
Then, rest your head on the mulberry silk Slip pillowcase (as part of the Sleep-to-Go Travel Set, which also includes a silk eye mask) to minimize friction and frizz.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Mar. 2024
For the bend of her arms, the rustling trail of her dress, the color of that silk—like a woman bleeding out.
—Sophie Yun Mancini, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2024
Textures of Spring Fashion: From woolly tweeds to smooth silk, tactile fabrics make for a highly sensational season.
—New York Times, 24 Mar. 2024
Jean Chen Smith, Cincinnati.com, 13 May 2020
In the end, a pink silked jockey named Javier Castellano rode City of Light in a victory that won him the the $9 million Pegasus World Cup and Chad Brown rode Bricks and Mortar to win the over $6 million prize Pegasus World Cup Turf.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2019
Strip away silks only and grill the ears inside their husks after a 20-minute soak in cold water.
—Cheryl Slocum, Country Living, 14 May 2011
Harbison, Fall 2014 His collaboration with Jim Thompson, silks that today are mostly considered for interiors not clothing, is just another example of how designers are increasingly blurring the lines between decor and fashion.
—Sarah Bray, ELLE Decor, 12 May 2014
Back in the U.S., Variety held its Power of Young Hollywood party, where Zendaya, Charli XCX, Yara Shahidi, and more walked the red (well, black) carpet in everything from Swarovski crystal suits to silk pajamas.
—vanityfair.com, 11 Aug. 2017
Noun
The family's eldest daughter Luna, 7, also dressed up for the occasion, wearing a sparkly pale pink top and sash, which was embroidered with beads and jewels, as well as a long blue silk skirt.
—Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2024
The lightweight formula quickly sinks in and doesn't transfer to clothes or silk pillowcases, even during sweaty moments.
—Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
For the occasion, Markle chose an Oscar de la Renta silk shirtdress with a watercolor floral motif on the skirt.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2024
The black silk garment, which Elton John donated at a charity auction in 1990, sold for $29,250—way more than its original $6,000 estimate.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024
If your bonnet or durag is prone to falling off at night, a silk pillowcase is an extra guard to prevent friction.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 1 Apr. 2024
Then, rest your head on the mulberry silk Slip pillowcase (as part of the Sleep-to-Go Travel Set, which also includes a silk eye mask) to minimize friction and frizz.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Mar. 2024
For the bend of her arms, the rustling trail of her dress, the color of that silk—like a woman bleeding out.
—Sophie Yun Mancini, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2024
Textures of Spring Fashion: From woolly tweeds to smooth silk, tactile fabrics make for a highly sensational season.
—New York Times, 24 Mar. 2024
Verb
The company’s woven viscose bamboo threads are similar to silk and cashmere, offering luxury while remaining earth-friendly.
—Jean Chen Smith, Cincinnati.com, 13 May 2020
In the end, a pink silked jockey named Javier Castellano rode City of Light in a victory that won him the the $9 million Pegasus World Cup and Chad Brown rode Bricks and Mortar to win the over $6 million prize Pegasus World Cup Turf.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2019
Strip away silks only and grill the ears inside their husks after a 20-minute soak in cold water.
—Cheryl Slocum, Country Living, 14 May 2011
Harbison, Fall 2014 His collaboration with Jim Thompson, silks that today are mostly considered for interiors not clothing, is just another example of how designers are increasingly blurring the lines between decor and fashion.
—Sarah Bray, ELLE Decor, 12 May 2014
Back in the U.S., Variety held its Power of Young Hollywood party, where Zendaya, Charli XCX, Yara Shahidi, and more walked the red (well, black) carpet in everything from Swarovski crystal suits to silk pajamas.
—vanityfair.com, 11 Aug. 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'silk.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near silk
Cite this Entry
“Silk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silk. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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