fascinator

American  

[fas-uh-ney-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

---

Etymology

Origin of fascinator

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

Example Sentences

Co-chair and red carpet queen Zendaya has made her much anticipated return to the Met Gala in a blue and green ensemble with hummingbirds gracing her decolletage and a gravity-defying fascinator to boot.

From BBC • May 6, 2024

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

Like other mourners, she was dressed in black and wearing a feathered fascinator.,

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2022

As Sylvie was about nothing more important than a pale-blue zephyr "fascinator," she accepted the invitation.

From Hope Mills or, Between Friend and Sweetheart by Douglas, Amanda Minnie