spangle

¹span·gle

noun \ˈspaŋ-gəl\

Definition of SPANGLE

1

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

2

: a small glittering object or particle

Examples of SPANGLE

1. showgirls dressed in costumes with gold spangles

Origin of SPANGLE

Middle English spangel, diminutive of spang shiny ornament, probably from Middle Dutch spange; akin to Old English spang buckle, Middle Dutch spannen to stretch

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator

Rhymes with SPANGLE

angle, bangle, dangle, jangle, mangel, mangle, strangle, tangle, wangle, wrangle

²spangle

verb

span·gledspan·gling \ˈspaŋ-g(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of SPANGLE

transitive verb

: to set or sprinkle with or as if with spangles

intransitive verb

: to glitter as if covered with spangles : sparkle

Examples of SPANGLE

1. <in typical Las Vegas fashion, the showgirls' sequined costumes spangled gloriously>

First Known Use of SPANGLE

circa 1548

Related to SPANGLE

Synonyms

coruscate, flame, glance, gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, glister, glitter, luster (or lustre), scintillate, shimmer, flash, sparkle, twinkle, wink, winkle

Related Words

beam, radiate, shine; bedazzle, blind, daze, dazzle; blaze, burn, flare, glare, glow