Silken means having the smooth, soft, shiny qualities of silk. When you touch something silken, it feels incredibly smooth against your skin, like running your fingers across a ribbon or a cat's fur. A horse might have a silken mane that flows beautifully in the wind, or a golden retriever might have silken ears that feel wonderful to pet.

The word often describes hair or fabric, but writers use it for anything that shares silk's luxurious smoothness. You might read about silken water in a calm pond, or a dancer making silken movements across the stage. Even sounds can be silken: a flute player might produce silken tones that seem to float through the air.

While silky means nearly the same thing, silken often sounds more elegant or poetic. You're more likely to hear about a silken gown in a fairy tale than a silky one. The word carries a sense of something special and refined, not just smooth but beautifully and noticeably smooth in a way that makes you want to touch it or admire it.