sequin

American  

[see-kwin] / ˈsi kwɪn /

Italian zecchino

noun

• sequins
  plural

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.

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sequin British  

/ ˈsiːkwɪn /

noun

1. a small piece of shiny often coloured metal foil or plastic, usually round, used to decorate garments, etc

2. Also called: zecchino.  any of various gold coins that were formerly minted in Italy, Turkey, and Malta

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• sequined
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• sequins
  plural

Etymology

Origin of sequin

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

Explanation

A sequin is a flat little bead that catches the light and makes evening gowns shimmer. One little sequin is pretty, but they like to stick together. There’d be no figure skating without sequins. Sequins were originally made out of tiny metal discs, but today they're commonly made from shiny circles of plastic. The original sequins explain the name, which stems from their resemblance to coins; sequin was the 17th century name of an Italian gold coin. Today's sequins are used to decorate clothes, shoes, handbags, and anything else that needs extra sparkles.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sequin sequins

Among the pieces that she had teased on social media were a sewing machine, a steamer, lamps, a “tiny side table,” a sequin romper, and a Bergdorf Goodman jacket.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 2025

We also saw Goldstein live out her Barbie dreams, as she did daring dips, squats and swirls in a silver sequin jumpsuit, while Davies and Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey also impressed.

From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2025

Panels of silk lamé and chiffon paired with crystals and long, feather-like sequin embellishments might seem party-aesthetics only, but paired with a white tee and sandal, this slip skirt is everyday festive.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2025

At a backyard disco party he threw recently, Zuckerberg wore a sequin floral bomber jacket over a drapey shirt unbuttoned to the mid-stomach.

From Salon ● Nov. 9, 2024

The rock walls of Pu‘okinau-o-mahuka heiau, a dark and powerful dash. Someone’s swimming pool is a sequin sparkling in the moonlight. And finally Tūtū’s and my lo‘i laid out in neat terraces.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Faux jewels, sequins and shiny baubles were Parton’s signature once she became a household name.

From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2026

The costumes, by Oana Botez, are eye-delighting creations, often in neon colors and splashed with sequins.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026

"To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I'm ready - sequins, nerves, and all...please bear with me. Love Jojo."

From BBC ● May 19, 2026

Still I feel for those in long sleeves and/or tons of sequins.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 15, 2026

The purple sequins fall, slithering down over the step like snakeskin, glittering in the sunlight.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• jewel
• tinsel