tinsel

¹tin·sel

noun \ˈtin(t)-səl also ˈtin-zəl\

Definition of TINSEL

1

: threads, strips, or sheets of metal, paper, or plastic used to produce a glittering and sparkling appearance in fabrics, yarns, or decorations

2

: something superficially attractive or glamorous but of little real worth <disfigured by no gaudy tinsel of rhetoric or declamation — Thomas Jefferson>

Examples of TINSEL

1. I like to decorate the Christmas tree with tinsel.
2. He's not attracted to the tinsel and glitter of Hollywood.

Origin of TINSEL

Middle English tyneseyle cloth interwoven with metallic thread, probably from Anglo-French tencelé, past participle of tenceler, estenceler to sparkle — more at stencil

First Known Use: 1538

Related to TINSEL

Synonyms: candyfloss [British], eye candy, cotton candy

Related Words: window dressing; fluff, froth, gossamer; glitter, gloss

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