sequin

[ see-kwin ]

noun

1. a small shining disk or spangle used for ornamentation, as on clothing, accessories, or theatrical costumes.
2. a former gold coin of Venice, introduced in 1284; ducat.
3. a former gold coin of Malta, introduced c1535.
4. a former gold coin of Turkey, introduced in 1478.

sequin

/ ˈsiːkwɪn /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ˈsequined, adjective

Other Words From

• sequined adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sequin¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from French sequin, from Italian zecchino, equivalent to zecc(a) “mint” (from Arabic sikkah “die, coin”) + -ino -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of sequin¹

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

Example Sentences

Many of the younger members swathed in sequins and tulle skirts.

From Salon

The sequins and cowboy hats were out in force as thousands of people descended on Nashville for the annual awards.

From BBC

The textures and the velvet and sequins of the time never went away.

From Los Angeles Times

When on tour, she's required to change her outfit mid-show seven or eight times a night, navigating her way into corsets and sequins and feathered headdresses as a clock ticks down to the next song.

From BBC

Guests were dressed in sparkly sequins, a 20-piece orchestra raised the roof and Dawn French - as the Vicar of Dibley - gave a sermon at the lectern.

From BBC

Related Words

• jewel
• tinsel