sequin

play

noun se·quin \ ˈsē-kwən \

Definition of sequin

1 :an old gold coin of Italy and Turkey

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

See sequin defined for English-language learners

See sequin defined for kids

Recent Examples of sequin from the Web

The actor and 30 Seconds to Mars singer arrived with his band wearing a blue and green sequin Gucci cape over a high collar shirt patterned with flowers.

— mahita gajanan, Time, "The Internet Loves Jared Leto's Sequined Cape at the VMAs Red Carpet," 27 Aug. 2017
A shoe lover’s dream, the largest wall is dedicated to a gallery of heels and boots in everything from pink sequins and feathers to a rainbow of sky-high heels organized by color.

— tara bradley connell, Orlando Signature, "Best-Dressed A-Listers in Orlando," 24 Aug. 2017
But the familiar sights and sounds of the parade — the sequin leotards, the rumbling snare drums, the sweet scent of barbecue wafting from backyard grills — were overshadowed Saturday by the parade's grand marshal.

— marwa eltagouri, chicagotribune.com, "Chance the Rapper becomes Chance the Grand Marshal at Bud Billiken Parade," 12 Aug. 2017
Mary Looney came ready for a birthday party in a light blue dress suit and one of her favorite white hats with sequins and rhinestones.

— linda girardi, Aurora Beacon-News, "'1 & 1 Birthday Party' honors Aurora's youngest residents up to its oldest," 25 July 2017
Next up, a tuxedo shirt with an intricate sequin bib, a pattern of blue, black, tan, and white stripes and zig-zags.

— arianna rebolini, Esquire, "Men are spending more money on their clothes than ever before, and more men than ever are plus-sized. So why haven't brands figured out how to create something they actually want to wear?," 24 July 2017
The sequins on the ruby slippers, for example, have cracked, and their vibrant red has faded.

— atlanta life, ajc, "Smithsonian finds success with Kickstarter," 15 July 2017
Back in September the pair attended Kanye West’s Saint Pablo show in New York donning matching standout silver sequin dresses, with an identical open back detail.

— katie skinner, Billboard, "The Get: Kim Kardashian West and North West's Matching Adidas Track Shorts," 12 July 2017
The swirling shapes of her work were rendered in sequins and crystals on a series of evening dresses in bronzy rose and ivory colors.

— steff yotka, Vogue, "Chanel Built a Scale Model of the Eiffel Tower For Its Couture Show," 4 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sequin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sequin

French, from Italian zecchino, from zecca mint, from Arabic (dār al-) sikka, literally, house of the minting die

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1617

See Words from the same year

SEQUIN Defined for English Language Learners

sequin

play

noun

Definition of sequin for English Language Learners

: a small piece of shiny metal or plastic that is sewn onto clothes as a decoration

SEQUIN Defined for Kids

sequin

play

noun se·quin \ ˈsē-kwən \

Definition of sequin for Students

:a bit of shiny metal or plastic used as an ornament usually on clothing

Learn More about sequin

Spanish Central: Translation of sequin Nglish: Translation of sequin for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up sequin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

sequin

Definition of sequin

Recent Examples of sequin from the Web

Origin and Etymology of sequin

SEQUIN Defined for English Language Learners

sequin

Definition of sequin for English Language Learners

SEQUIN Defined for Kids

sequin

Definition of sequin for Students

Learn More about sequin

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

glabrous

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

What's Going On With 'Nonplussed'?

Welcome to the New Words

9 Slang Words With Academic Origins

8 Foods Named After Real People

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Name that Color!

Name That Thing

SCRABBLE® Sprint

What's Going On With 'Nonplussed'?

9 Slang Words With Academic Origins

Trending: 'Bodega' Startup Draws Criticism, Mockery

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Words of the Year: 1066

sequin

Definition of sequin

From the M-W Editors

Recent Examples of sequin from the Web

Origin and Etymology of sequin

SEQUIN Defined for English Language Learners

sequin

Definition of sequin for English Language Learners

SEQUIN Defined for Kids

sequin

Definition of sequin for Students

Learn More about sequin

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

What's Going On With 'Nonplussed'?

9 Slang Words With Academic Origins

Trending: 'Bodega' Startup Draws Criticism, Mockery

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Words of the Year: 1066