Sheen is a soft, gleaming shine on a surface, like the gentle glow you see on a freshly polished wooden table or a well-groomed horse's coat. Unlike a bright, mirror-like shine, sheen is subtle and smooth, catching the light in a way that makes something look healthy, cared for, and beautiful.

You might notice sheen on satin fabric when it moves, or on your hair after you brush it thoroughly. A brand new penny has sheen before it gets scratched and dull. When painters talk about sheen, they mean how much light a paint reflects: matte paint has no sheen, while satin or glossy paint has more.

The word suggests quality and good condition. A car with sheen looks well-maintained. Fabric with sheen often looks luxurious. When something loses its sheen, it starts to look worn or neglected. Sometimes people use the phrase the sheen has worn off to mean that something isn't as exciting or impressive as it first seemed, like when a new toy becomes boring after a few weeks.