sequin

noun

se·​quin ˈsē-kwən 

1

: an old gold coin of Italy and Turkey

2

: a small plate of shining metal or plastic used for ornamentation especially on clothing

Examples of sequin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a few short years, the ball has become an East meets West blockbuster of a red carpet, all sequins, mirror work and statement jewels. — Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026

Rich color, decoration, and texture are returning — lace, embroidery, sequins — but they are integrated into lightweight fabrics, softer colors, and relaxed silhouettes. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026

Sometimes, there’s power in freedom (in platform heels, tons of sequins, and a wild Donna Summer or Bonnie Tyler curly shag). — Loren Savini, Allure, 14 Oct. 2026

Five years ago, LSU brought Kim Mulkey in to resuscitate its women’s basketball program, ignoring the controversy that trailed her like a train of sequins off one of her gaudy pantsuits. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Italian zecchino, from zecca mint, from Arabic (dār al-) sikka, literally, house of the minting die

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sequin

noun

se·​quin ˈsē-kwən 

: a small piece of shiny metal or plastic used as an ornament especially on clothes