silk

1 of 2

noun

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
silklike adjective

silk

2 of 2

verb

silked; silking; silks

intransitive verb

of corn
: to develop the silk

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The formula, which contains biomimetic silk and niacinamide, helps flyaways and baby hairs stay put, delivering frizz and humidity protection for up to 72 hours. Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Wash hair in cool or lukewarm, not hot, water. Reduce damage-causing friction at night by pulling hair into a loose ponytail on top of the head and/or using satin or silk bonnets or pillowcases. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025 Naveena also presented Lume, a denim collection made with silk. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Apr. 2025 Vintage rugs often feature intricate patterns, designs, colors, unique patinas, and durable materials like wool or silk. Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for silk

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English seolc, sioluc, probably ultimately from Greek sērikos silken — more at sericeous

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1783, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silk was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Silk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silk. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

silk

noun
ˈsilk
1
: a fine continuous protein fiber produced by various insect larvae usually to form their cocoons
especially : a strong glossy elastic fiber produced by silkworms and used to weave cloth
2
: thread, yarn, or fabric made from silk
3
: something resembling silk: as
a
: the thread produced by a spider
b
: the cluster of thin threadlike parts at the end of an ear of corn that are styles of the ovaries

Medical Definition

silk

noun
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
: strands of silk thread of various thicknesses used as suture material in surgery
surgical silk

More from Merriam-Webster on silk

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