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

Her clothes are simple but bright, with sometimes a bit of shiny thread or a sprinkling of sequins; décolletage is a thing of the future. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Posing next to co-star Sandra Bullock, the Australian star looked statuesque in a strapless column dress that was completely covered in icy mint sequins, which looked like scales. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026

There was something so strong about the image of that smiling, always smiling, country queen who hid her rage and pain behind the sequins, crafting these deeply personal songs. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026

The capture the true essence of strawberries and cream, layer a lightweight cardigan or sweater over sparkly sequins. — Emma Bocchi, Glamour, 21 Aug. 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