What does silking mean?
Silking is an uncommon verb form of silk with two established uses. In its more literal sense, it means dressing a person in silk or covering an object with silk, as in a description of attendants “silking” a bride in formal attire. Its second sense is more figurative and literary: silking describes movement that is exceptionally smooth, quick, and quiet, often applied to a horse moving across the ground. The word is principally the present participle of “silk,” rather than a separate everyday noun. Its rarity and elegant sound give it an archaic or descriptive quality. Although “silken” can mean made of or resembling silk, it is an adjective and should not be confused with the action expressed by silking. The verb itself ultimately derives from the material silk, whose English name comes through Latin from Greek and, in turn, from peoples associated with silk production in the ancient world.
To dress in silk or cover something with silk.
"Attendants were silking the bride before the ceremony."
Usually encountered as the present participle or gerund of “silk.”
To move smoothly, rapidly, and almost noiselessly.
"The young horse silked over the meadow."
A literary figurative sense, especially associated with the movement of a horse.
A horse can “silk” along so smoothly that its movement seems effortless.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of silking
The verb “silk” developed from the name of the textile silk and came to denote clothing or covering something with the fabric. By extension, it acquired a figurative sense of moving smoothly and quietly. “Silking” is the corresponding present participle and gerund. The English word silk ultimately comes from Latin sericum, a neuter adjective meaning “silken” or “pertaining to silk,” which was associated with the Seres, the ancient Chinese people renowned for silk production.
Related word forms
How silking is actually used
Silking is uncommon as an independent form and is normally encountered as the present participle or gerund of “silk.” The smooth-motion sense is somewhat literary and is often found in descriptions of horses or other rapid, graceful movement.
Easily confused with silking
Silken is an adjective meaning made of, covered with, or resembling silk, whereas silking is a verb form involving silk or smooth movement.