# sheen

/ˈʃin/ (US) · /ʃˈiːn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sheen
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a soft, smooth shine on the surface of something. You often see this on healthy hair, clean silk, or polished wood.

For teachers: a soft, lustrous glow or surface reflection. Often associated with materials that have a natural or polished brightness rather than a harsh glare.

## Examples

- The cat's black fur has a healthy sheen.
- After hours of polishing, the antique table finally regained its deep, mahogany sheen.
- The moonlight cast a silvery sheen across the surface of the lake, illuminating the ripples created by the evening breeze.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'of' or modified by adjectives describing texture like 'metallic' or 'silky'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.