sequin

Italian zec·chi·no

[see-kwin]

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.

sequin

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• sequined adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sequin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sequin¹

C17: via French from Italian zecchino, from zecca mint, from Arabic sikkah die for striking coins

Example Sentences

I want feathered hats, scraping the “Call Her Daddy” studio ceilings, and Terry Gross counting the number of sequins on a bodysuit during a very special episode of “Fresh Air.”

From Salon

It has silver sequins and is semi-transparent — something out of the film “The Devil Wears Prada,” but a contemporary piece, purchased sometime this year.

From Los Angeles Times

"As everyone knows, I love to dress up and have a good time, so I'll definitely be bringing the sparkles, sequins and disco with me!"

From BBC

Monday might not have the sequins and screeching choruses of tonight's Eurovision, the inexplicable dance routines or pyrotechnics, but it will be a show no less.

From BBC

Moore understood the assignment for the Met Gala, coming as a literal men's tie in a sculptural black and white striped sequin gown from Thom Browne.

From BBC

Related Words

• jewel 
• tinsel