sequin

[see-kwin]

See more synonyms for sequin on Thesaurus.com

noun

a small shining disk or spangle used for ornamentation, as on women's clothing and accessories or on theatrical costumes.
a former gold coin of Venice, introduced in 1284; ducat.
a former gold coin of Malta, introduced c1535.

a former gold coin of Turkey, introduced in 1478.

Also zecchino, zechin (for defs 2–4).

Origin of sequin

1575–85; < French sequin < Italian zecchino, equivalent to zecc(a) mint (< Arabic sikkah die, coin) + -ino -ine²

Related formsse·quined, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for sequin

jewel, tinsel, spangle, beam, bangle, sparkler

Examples from the Web for sequin

Contemporary Examples of sequin

Oh, and the protagonist in the sequin dress is actually a boy.
‘The Avenue’ Star Gregory Gorgeous: Trapped in the YouTube Closet?
Adam Auriemma
January 23, 2013
The lure of the sequin propelled her into show-business and a starring role in the legendary Pearl Box Review.
Why Drag Queens Should Handle Disaster Relief
Simon Doonan
June 4, 2010

Historical Examples of sequin

But his holiness, the papa, might choose to charge one sequin for it.
The Memoires of Casanova, Complete
Jacques Casanova de Seingalt
I am satisfied with your abilities, go on, and here is a sequin for expenses.
The Memoires of Casanova, Complete
Jacques Casanova de Seingalt
"No, mam," he said dejectedly as he assisted Mrs. Sequin to alight.
A Romance of Billy-Goat Hill
Alice Hegan Rice
"Tell her to wait," said Mrs. Sequin without turning her head.
A Romance of Billy-Goat Hill
Alice Hegan Rice
"Close the door, Myrtella," Mrs. Sequin said as they entered.
A Romance of Billy-Goat Hill
Alice Hegan Rice

British Dictionary definitions for sequin

sequin

noun

a small piece of shiny often coloured metal foil or plastic, usually round, used to decorate garments, etc
Also called: zecchino any of various gold coins that were formerly minted in Italy, Turkey, and Malta

Derived Formssequined, adjective

Word Origin for sequin

C17: via French from Italian zecchino, from zecca mint, from Arabic sikkah die for striking coins

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

Word Origin and History for sequin

1610s, name of a former Italian and Turkish gold coin, from French sequin (17c.), from Italian zecchino, name of a Venetian coin, from zecca "a mint," from Arabic sikkah "a minting die." Meaning "ornamental disc or spangle" is first recorded 1882, from resemblance to a gold coin. Related: Sequined (1890).