satin
Americannoun
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a fabric in a warp-effect or filling-effect satin weave, as acetate, rayon, nylon, or silk, often having a glossy face and a soft, slippery texture.
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a dress or other garment of satin.
She wore her green satin.
adjective
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of or like satin; smooth; glossy.
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made of or covered or decorated with satin.
a satin pillow.
noun
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a fabric of silk, rayon, etc, closely woven to show much of the warp, giving a smooth glossy appearance
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(modifier) of or like satin in texture
a satin finish
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of satin
1325–75; Middle English satyn ( e ) < Middle French satin, probably < Arabic ( aṭlas ) zaytūnī (satin) of Zaitun a city in China where the cloth was made, probably Tsinkiang
Explanation
Satin is a soft and shiny type of fabric. Satin is commonly used to make nightgowns, dresses, baseball jackets, and even fancy bed sheets. You can identify a material as satin from its dull back and glossy front. This is a result of the way satin is woven, from fibers made of silk, rayon, or polyester. Sometimes bed sheets and upholstery are also made from satin. The word satin was originally Old French, believed to come from the Arabic zaytuni, and be influenced by the Latin word seta, both meaning "satin."
Vocabulary lists containing satin
Bill Withers (1938–2020) Tribute List
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Out Of Whole Cloth: Material Words
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Fabulous Fabrics
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At the casting call, I was handed a satin robe and pointed toward a small tent where I could change and a large tent with the photo crew inside.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 5, 2026
But with a ballet core wardrobe, I can dress like one anyway, play the part of sophisticated dancer — sophisticated woman — in my spandex and satin.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026
She explains that thicker straps are a safer option where the dress code is unclear and recommends satin camisoles as a more polished alternative to basic cotton vests.
From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026
Her mother was one of 2,075 brides wearing the “Blessing Dress,” a white polyester and satin gown with puffed sleeves and a modest high neckline.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 2026
Everything followed easily then: a white satin scarf held by Emily’s cameo brooch, patent court shoes—low-heeled, of course—a black dévoré shawl.
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
