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 skirts were done alternately in heavy wool crêpe or covered in sequins, with the material informing how they were made, a key element of the designer’s approach. —Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026

The looks grew more daring, spanning tear-away jean shorts and jeans covered in clear sequins to micro shorts worn over base layers. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Jan. 2026

On Tuesday night, New York City’s color-loving partygoers braved the fierce cold, emerging from cars on Gansevoort Street clad in floor-length sequin gowns and a kaleidoscope of prints, stepping over three-foot snow pileups to enter the museum. —Gaby Keiderling, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026

After a top coat, Sun added asymmetrical groupings of rhinestones, jewels, sequins, and caviar beads for a truly otherworldly outcome. —Marci Robin, Allure, 28 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