sequin

American  

[see-kwin] / ˈsi kwɪn /

Italian zecchino

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.

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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

• sequined adjective

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

Example Sentences

Get your blond wigs, sequin dresses and cowboy boots ready.

From Los Angeles Times

A myriad of regal colours, rhinestones, sequins, sparkles and diamante material catches the eyes of customers as they walk into a shop in Goole, East Yorkshire.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Gonzalez and her two friends also hit the town in dresses adorned with sequins and feathers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Like at the brand's men's show in January, a short yellow waterproof cape decorated a coat, while a beige jacket revealed bronze sequins beneath a turned up collar.

From Barron's

Related Words

• jewel
• tinsel