spangle

American  

[spang-guhl] / ˈspæŋ gəl /

noun

1. a small, thin, often circular piece of glittering metal or other material, used especially for decorating garments.

2. any small, bright drop, object, spot, or the like.

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verb (used with object)

spangled, spangling

1. to decorate with spangles.

2. to sprinkle or stud with small, bright pieces, objects, spots, etc.

verb (used without object)

spangled, spangling

1. to glitter with or like spangles.

spangle British  

/ ˈspæŋɡəl /

noun

1. a small thin piece of metal or other shiny material used as a decoration, esp on clothes; sequin

2. any glittering or shiny spot or object

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verb

1. (intr) to glitter or shine with or like spangles

2. (tr) to decorate or cover with spangles

Other Word Forms

• spangly adjective
• unspangled adjective

Etymology

Origin of spangle

First recorded in 1375–1425; Middle English noun spangel(e), equivalent to spange “spangle” (perhaps from Middle Dutch spange, spaenge “brooch, clasp,” or from Old Norse spǫng “clasp, buckle, spangle”) + -le -le ( def. )

Explanation

Do you like your outfits to have flair? A little sparkle? Then you're probably a fan of spangles, or small, shiny decorative things like sequins. Vegas showgirls and beauty queens know all about spangle. Their outfits are usually covered in the sequins, crystals, golden beads and sparkly frills that are all considered kinds of spangles. And if you want to use spangle as a verb, go right ahead — as in, "all that glitter certainly makes those showgirls spangle up on stage."

Example Sentences

If confetti supplies have plummeted, if a spangle shortage now afflicts Manhattan, blame a tent at the southwestern corner of Lincoln Center.

From New York Times • Nov. 17, 2023

It fits down to the last spangle on the jumpsuit of every self-respecting wannabe Elvis.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2023

It was always the cat eye in high-wattage spangle.

From Washington Post • Apr. 22, 2023

The cartoonlike “action” lines that animate the cat direct your eye toward a spangle of geometric shapes the passer-by has scattered to the ground to stir up some feline hunting instinct.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2017

I could not have escaped hunting if I had wanted to, for open seasons spangle the autumn.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck