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 long sleeves balanced out the gown’s revealing details, while the number’s shimmering gold sequin design brought the drama. —Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 22 Nov. 2025

The day that Cher first met a sequin. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2025

For nearly eight decades, the Charity League Atlantic County has turned tiny pieces of felt, thread and sequins into big support for local children and families. —Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2025

Tove’s cowl neck chocolate brown dress is covered in sequins from head to toe, Stella McCartney and Kallmeyer make jewel tones interesting with sweeping silhouettes and lace detailing, and Bernadette’s one-shoulder stunner is perfectly apropos for a formal wedding. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 18 Nov. 2025

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