confetti

American  

[kuhn-fet-ee, kawn-fet-tee] / kənˈfɛt i, kɔnˈfɛt ti /

plural noun

• confetto
  singular

1. (used with a singular verb) small bits of paper, usually colored, thrown or dropped from a height to enhance the gaiety of a festive event, as a parade, wedding, or New Year's Eve party.

2. confections; bonbons.

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confetti British  

/ kənˈfɛtɪ /

noun

1. small pieces of coloured paper thrown on festive occasions, esp at the bride and groom at weddings

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Etymology

Origin of confetti

1805–15; < Italian, plural of confetto comfit

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Explanation

Confetti is the small bits of paper that you festively throw at a celebration. People at New Year's parties often mark the stroke of midnight by tossing confetti into the air. It's traditional to throw rice at the newly married couple after a wedding ceremony, but sometimes guests throw confetti instead. Other places you might see (or throw) confetti are parades, game shows, sporting events, and parties. Confetti is usually made of paper, though sometimes it's plastic or shiny mylar. Confetti is the plural form of the Italian confetto, "sweetmeat," and the tradition began with small candies thrown during Italian parades and celebrations.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

confetti

Office assistants popped confetti streamers for a man recently released on bond from the Adelanto immigration detention facility, which Navarrete visits at least once a week, after she successfully petitioned a judge.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026

Trump stayed put, however, clapping and smiling until Rodri thrusted the trophy skyward and gold confetti shot from cannons behind them to officially start the celebration.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

JC: Think about it: The world of sports has entered a bizarre new dimension, one in which formerly sad-sack teams are now the ones downing champagne and getting showered in confetti.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026

Roars filled the air at the end of the parade route when the trophy was held aloft before confetti rained down on supporters.

From BBC ● May 21, 2026

And my football waiver is torn into a hundred pieces, scattered all over the living room like confetti.

From "Free Lunch" by Rex Ogle

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