slinky

adjective

ˈsliŋ-kē How to pronounce slinky (audio)
slinkier; slinkiest
1
: characterized by slinking : stealthily quiet
slinky movements
2
: sleek and sinuous in movement or outline
especially : following the lines of the figure in a gracefully flowing manner
a slinky evening gown
slinkily
ˈsliŋ-kə-lē How to pronounce slinky (audio)
adverb
slinkiness
ˈsliŋ-kē-nəs How to pronounce slinky (audio)
noun

Examples of slinky in a Sentence

The dancers wore slinky costumes.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The best looks of the week embraced a decidedly sexier slant, where skin-flashing silhouettes and sheer fabrications had one thinking that slinky summer style was still in full effect. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026 Both pieces, a tank top and matching midi-length skirt, were black and made of nylon, which is a slinky and fitted fabric, slippery and shiny in nature. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026 The Crown star made her way into the Los Angles private residence, where the event is hosted, in a slinky sequin Kallmeyer gown with a low scoop neck and open back. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 16 Oct. 2026 Lowen selects a slinky red Versace safety-pin slip dress, reminiscent of Verity’s earlier first-meet gown, and presumably blow-dries her long, dark brown hair and bangs into a sleeker, sultrier style. — Fawnia Soo Hoo, Allure, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slinky

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of slinky was in 1918

Rhymes for slinky

See All Rhymes for slinky

Browse Nearby Words

slinkweed
slinky
slip
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slinky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slinky. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

slinky

adjective
ˈsliŋ-kē How to pronounce slinky (audio)
slinkier; slinkiest
1
: sneakily quiet
slinky movements
2
: following the lines of the figure in a gracefully flowing manner
slinky dresses
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