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 black dress kept to the signature, body-hugging silhouette Jenner has come to love, with shimmering black sequin mesh that looked almost snake-like, and sheer embroidered side-paneling, delicate straps criss-crossing over the low back. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Jan. 2026

Choose from 21 colors, from goes-with-everything black to standout prints and textures, including holiday-ready velvet or sequins. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026

Jenner was every inch the supportive girlfriend, sitting by Chalamet's side while stunning in a plunging orange molten sequin gown. —Christina Perrier, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026

Delicate Embellishments Those beautifully delicate items covered in sequins, beading, or fragile embroidery can be destroyed in the washing machine, especially if they are glued on instead of sewn. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026

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