First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1sleek
verb \ˈslēk\
Definition of SLEEK
transitive verb
1
: slick <grooms sleeking cooled horses — Sunset>
2
: to cover up : gloss over
intransitive verb
: slick
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Origin of SLEEK
Middle English sleken, alteration of sliken — more at slick
2sleek
adjective
: straight and smooth in design or shape
: smooth and shiny
: stylish and attractive
Full Definition of SLEEK
1
a : smooth and glossy as if polished <sleek dark hair> b : having a smooth well-groomed look <sleek cattle> c : healthy-looking
2
: smooth in speech or manner; also : unctuous
3
a : having a prosperous air <sleek luxury condominiums> b : having trim graceful lines <a sleek car> c : elegant, stylish <a sleek wardrobe>
— sleek·ly adverb
— sleek·ness noun
See sleek defined for English-language learners
Origin of SLEEK
alteration of 2slick
First Known Use: 1578
Related to SLEEK
Synonym Discussion of SLEEK
sleek, slick, glossy mean having a smooth bright surface or appearance. sleek suggests a smoothness or brightness resulting from attentive grooming or physical conditioning <a sleek racehorse>. slick suggests extreme smoothness that results in a slippery surface <slipped and fell on the slick floor>. glossy suggests a highly reflective surface <photographs having a glossy finish>.
SLEEK Defined for Kids
sleek
adjective \ˈslēk\
sleek·ersleek·est
Definition of SLEEK for Kids
1
: smooth and glossy as if polished <sleek dark hair>
2
: having a healthy well-groomed look <sleek cattle>
3
: straight and smooth in design or shape <a sleek jet>
4
: stylish and elegant <a sleek actress>
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