Cool MateSilk
UK /["/sɪlk/"]/US /["/sɪlk/"]/
Definition
fine soft thread produced by silkworms
In simple words: A smooth, strong fabric made from the threads produced by silkworms.
Examples
- The caterpillar spins the silk around its entire body.
- a silk dress/blouse/scarf/tie/sari
- silk stockings
- made of pure silk
- Her skin was as smooth as silk.
- fine silks produced in Italy
- a drawing room decorated in rich blue and purple silks
- the bright silks of saris
- ladies in silks and satins
- to take silk *(= to become this type of lawyer)*
Usage notes
Commonly used to describe luxurious clothing or bedding. Not often used in casual speech; more appropriate in discussions about fashion or material quality.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of a 'silk' worm spinning a shiny, soft cocoon.
Collocations
- heavy
- delicate
- fine
- wear
- produce
- spin
- industry
- mill
- merchant
- in silk
- of silk
- heavy
- delicate
- fine
- wear
- produce
- spin
- industry
- mill
- merchant
- in silk
- of silk
- heavy
- delicate
- fine
- wear
- produce
- spin
- industry
- mill
- merchant
- in silk
- of silk
Synonyms
- satin
- silk fabric
- luxury fabric
- thread
- material
Antonyms
- cotton
- wool
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'silk' with 'satin' — silk is the original material, satin is a weave.
- Using 'silk' to describe any smooth fabric, while it's actually a specific type.
- Incorrectly assuming silk is washable — many silk items require special care.