fascinator

[ fas-uh-ney-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that fascinates.
2. a scarf of crochet work, lace, or the like, narrowing toward the ends, worn as a head covering by women.

fascinator

/ ˈfæsɪˌneɪtə /

noun

1. a lightweight, decorative head covering worn by women on formal occasions

Word History and Origins

Origin of fascinator¹

From Late Latin, dating back to 1740–50; fascinate, -tor

Example Sentences

Jacobs, who described herself as a community activist under orders from her husband not to get arrested at the convention, was wearing a homemade dress with large pictures of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and a black fascinator hat with Harris’ name woven into it.

From Los Angeles Times

Co-chair and red carpet queen Zendaya has made her much anticipated return to the Met Gala in a blue and green ensemble with hummingbirds gracing her decolletage and a gravity-defying fascinator to boot.

From BBC

She also agreed that people sitting behind her may have had their view obscured by her lilac Vivienne Westwood fascinator, adding "she could barely see" herself.

From BBC

So much elevated bright pink, says Harris, “It’s like the house is wearing a fascinator.”

From Seattle Times

That much is clear in her take-charge reappearance at the Manhattan penthouse the day after his death, decked out in black from the funerary fascinator in her hair to her smart heels.

From Salon