spangle

[ spang-guhl ]
See synonyms for: spanglespangled on Thesaurus.com

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.

verb (used with object),span·gled, span·gling.
  1. to decorate with spangles.

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

verb (used without object),span·gled, span·gling.
  1. to glitter with or like spangles.

Origin of spangle

1
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

Other words from spangle

  • spangly, adjective
  • un·span·gled, adjective

Words Nearby spangle

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use spangle in a sentence

  • He rowed, always keeping his bow towards the far-off spangle of lights which showed where the Trunella lay at anchor.

    The Shadow | Arthur Stringer
  • They might miss the spangle and sawdust of the circus, you know.

    Letty and the Twins | Helen Sherman Griffith
  • A thousand palm-crowned and foam-girdled reefs spangle the ocean to the north and east of Tahiti.

    Summer Cruising in the South Seas | Charles Warren Stoddard
  • On every hand luscious lawns spread, filled with crocuses and dandelions just beginning to spangle the green.

  • And at any moment, of course, a turn of the kaleidoscope might suddenly toss a bright spangle into the grey pattern of one's days.

    The Reef | Edith Wharton

British Dictionary definitions for spangle

spangle

/ (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

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

  2. (tr) to decorate or cover with spangles

Origin of spangle

1
C15: diminutive of spange, perhaps from Middle Dutch: clasp; compare Old Norse spöng

Derived forms of spangle

  • spangly, adjective

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