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

The nude heels were covered in gold sequins, giving the shoe a neutral but metallic look that stood out on the red carpet. —Tara Larson, Footwear News, 22 Jan. 2026

For her walk down the aisle, the bride chose a ballgown-style gown by Eden Aharon, featuring a corseted basque waist, as well as sequin and pearl details. —Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026

Tears welled in the Bruins star and Olympian’s eyes as coach Janelle McDonald embraced her, seconds before a horde of teammates in blue sequin-laden leotards swallowed Chiles into the center of their celebratory huddle. —Benjamin Royer, Daily News, 18 Jan. 2026

Last Sunday night at the 2026 Golden Globes, Tessa Thompson wore a bright green dress covered in glistening sequins by Balenciaga, designed for her by the house’s new designer Pierpaolo Piccioli, who came from Valentino. —José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 16 Jan. 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