Silk

/sɪlk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A fine, lustrous fiber obtained from the cocoons of silkworms, used to make various textiles.

She wore a beautiful dress made of silk that shimmered in the light.

A soft fabric made from silk fibers.

The cushion was covered in soft silk, making it very comfortable.

Any smooth, glossy substance resembling silk.

The artist used a silk finish on the painting to give it a polished look.

verb

To cover or adorn something with silk.

They decided to silk the chairs for the wedding to match the décor.

From Old English 'sylc', from Latin 'sericum', from Greek 'sērikon', ultimately of Chinese origin.

silk purse from a sow's ear

Turning something of poor quality into something valuable.

as smooth as silk

Describing something that is very smooth or pleasant.

silkworm

A caterpillar that produces silk, commonly used in textile production.

silkiness

The quality or state of being silky.

silk-screen

A printing technique involving a woven mesh.

Silk refers to something that is excellent or of high quality.

That new car is silk!

In some contexts, silk can refer to smoothness or slickness, often in behavior or style.

He's got a silk approach to negotiation.