sharkskin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to Semi-Technical
Quick answer
What does “sharkskin” mean?
The skin of a shark, known for its rough texture, or a fabric/material that mimics its appearance or properties.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The skin of a shark, known for its rough texture, or a fabric/material that mimics its appearance or properties.
Any fabric, material, or surface finish that is smooth, lustrous, and has a finely textured or slightly granular appearance, reminiscent of a shark's skin. In geology, it can refer to a specific texture of rock.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Sharkskin suit' is a common collocation in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations are neutral-to-positive for material (smart, durable). The literal skin may have connotations of danger or the exotic.
Frequency
Similar low-medium frequency in both. Slightly more common in US fashion/retail contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sharkskin” in a Sentence
[Noun] made of sharkskina [Noun] of sharkskin[Adjective] sharkskin [Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sharkskin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He chose a sharkskin waistcoat for the wedding.
- The sharkskin texture of the rock was fascinating.
American English
- He bought a sharkskin jacket for the interview.
- The new upholstery has a cool sharkskin feel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a type of formal or smart-casual business attire (e.g., 'He wore a sharp sharkskin suit to the meeting').
Academic
Used in marine biology (literal skin), materials science (fabric properties), and geology (rock texture).
Everyday
Most commonly encountered when describing clothing or fabric in shops or fashion articles.
Technical
In manufacturing, refers to specific weaves; in biology, to dermal denticles; in geology, to a metamorphic texture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sharkskin”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sharkskin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sharkskin”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to sharkskin a fabric'). Using it to describe soft leather.
- Spelling as two words ('shark skin') when referring to the fabric (compound noun is standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes, but modern 'sharkskin' is almost always a woven fabric (usually wool, polyester, or a blend) designed to mimic the look and texture.
It has a distinctive lustrous sheen and a subtle, two-toned textured pattern created by a specific weave, often in grey, silver, or dark blue.
Yes, it commonly functions as a noun modifier (e.g., sharkskin suit, sharkskin texture). It is not typically used as a standalone adjective (*'The suit is very sharkskin').
Shagreen is a specific type of rawhide, historically from sharks or rays, with a pronounced granular texture. It is a more precise, often historical, term for genuine sharkskin, whereas modern 'sharkskin' usually refers to fabric.
The skin of a shark, known for its rough texture, or a fabric/material that mimics its appearance or properties.
Sharkskin is usually neutral to semi-technical in register.
Sharkskin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɑːkskɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɑːrkskɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a shark's sleek, grey, slightly gritty skin. A 'sharkskin suit' is just as sleek and has a subtle, gritty-looking texture.
Conceptual Metaphor
SMOOTHNESS/AGGRESSION IS SHARKSKIN (e.g., 'his sharkskin demeanor was cool and efficient').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sharkskin' LEAST likely to be used?