tinsel
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.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>
See Examples of TINSEL
- I like to decorate the Christmas tree with tinsel.
- 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
2tinsel
adjectiveDefinition of TINSEL
1
: made of or covered with tinsel
2
a : cheaply gaudy : tawdry b : specious, superficial <tinsel promises>
First Known Use of TINSEL
1575
3tinsel
transitive verbtin·seled or tin·selledtin·sel·ing or tin·sel·ling \ˈtin(t)-s(ə-)liŋ also ˈtin-zə-liŋ\
Definition of TINSEL
1
: to interweave, overlay, or adorn with or as if with tinsel
2
: to impart a specious brightness to
First Known Use of TINSEL
1594
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