sleek

¹

[ sleek ]

adjective

, sleek·er, sleek·est.

1. smooth or glossy, as hair, an animal, etc.
2. well-fed or well-groomed.
3. trim and graceful; finely contoured; streamlined:

   a sleek sports car.

4. smooth in manners, speech, etc.; suave.
5. cleverly or deceitfully skillful; slick:

   a sleek confidence man.

   Synonyms: slippery, shady, glib, shrewd, artful, smooth, refined, polished

sleek

²

[ sleek ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make sleek; smooth; slick:

   to sleek leather.

sleek

/ sliːk /

adjective

1. smooth and shiny; polished
2. polished in speech or behaviour; unctuous
3. (of an animal or bird) having a shiny healthy coat or feathers
4. (of a person) having a prosperous appearance

verb

1. to make smooth and glossy, as by grooming, etc
2. usually foll by over to cover (up), as by making more agreeable; gloss (over)

Derived Forms

• ˈsleeky, adjective
• ˈsleekness, noun
• ˈsleekly, adverb

Other Words From

• sleekly adverb
• sleekness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sleek¹

First recorded in 1580–90; variant of slick

Origin of sleek²

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English sleken, variant of slick

Word History and Origins

Origin of sleek¹

C16: variant of slick

Example Sentences

Born and bred in Zaun with a long criminal background, Vi is as rugged and misanthropic as Caitlyn is sleek and chic.

From Salon

Known for its sleek electric adventure vehicles, Rivian’s pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles stand out on the road.

From Los Angeles Times

The album was not just the fulfilment of Jackson's talent, but the culmination of Jones's career, as he used his peerless musical expertise to define the 1980s with a sleek and polished fusion of R&B and pop.

From BBC

When I met Bal years ago in his studio, his characteristic flamboyance was evident in dazzling neon coloured silks embellished with intricate embroidery; sleek blouses and skirts along with taffeta skirts and netted blouses, in bright, warm and cool colours.

From BBC

His shirt tucks in neatly to sleek, wide-legged, pleated white pants—no belt, of course.

From Slate

Related Words

• glistening
• polished
• satin
• shiny
• silky