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fascinator

American  
[fas-uh-nay-ter] / ˈfæs əˌneɪ tər /

noun

  1. a person or thing that fascinates.

  2. a scarf of crochet work, lace, or the like, narrowing toward the ends, worn as a head covering by women.


fascinator British  
/ ˈfæsɪˌneɪtə /

noun

  1. a lightweight, decorative head covering worn by women on formal occasions

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of fascinator

From Late Latin, dating back to 1740–50; see origin at fascinate, -tor


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Hamnet author Maggie O'Farrell, who is nominated for co-writing the screenplay for the film adaptation, opted for a bubblegum pink gown with black lace gloves and mesh fascinator hat.

From BBC ● Mar. 15, 2026

That much is clear in her take-charge reappearance at the Manhattan penthouse the day after his death, decked out in black from the funerary fascinator in her hair to her smart heels.

From Salon ● Apr. 17, 2023

In details like Art’s harlequin jumper and tiny top-hat fascinator — and in the gruesome nondigital makeup effects Leone crafted himself — what moviegoers are buying is homemade filmmaking.

From New York Times ● Oct. 25, 2022

She wore cornrows and a fascinator to a British royal wedding.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 30, 2022

Margaret threw her pretty pink fascinator round Hanny's shoulders.

From A Little Girl in Old New York by Amanda Minnie Douglas

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