spangle

1 of 2

noun

span·​gle ˈspaŋ-gəl How to pronounce spangle (audio)
Synonyms of spanglenext
1
: a small plate of shining metal or plastic used for ornamentation especially on clothing
2
: a small glittering object or particle

spangle

2 of 2

verb

spangled; spangling ˈspaŋ-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce spangle (audio)

transitive verb

: to set or sprinkle with or as if with spangles

intransitive verb

: to glitter as if covered with spangles : sparkle

Examples of spangle in a Sentence

Noun showgirls dressed in costumes with gold spangles Verb in typical Las Vegas fashion, the showgirls' sequined costumes spangled gloriously
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Mary Lattimore’s harp spangles the background, while Camille Getz drags her violin across the track, a clever acoustic rendering of a classic shoegaze guitar squeal. Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 11 Mar. 2026 Rather than addressing the fundamental issues at play in the top two tiers, the spangle and tinsel come first. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Verb
On the other: an empty stage spangled with twinkling lights. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026 Mary Lattimore’s harp spangles the background, while Camille Getz drags her violin across the track, a clever acoustic rendering of a classic shoegaze guitar squeal. Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spangle

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English spangel, diminutive of spang shiny ornament, probably from Middle Dutch spange; akin to Old English spang buckle, Middle Dutch spannen to stretch

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1548, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of spangle was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spangle. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

spangle

1 of 2 noun
span·​gle ˈspaŋ-gəl How to pronounce spangle (audio)
1
: a small piece of shining metal or plastic used for ornamentation on clothing
2
: a small glittering object

spangle

2 of 2 verb
spangled; spangling ˈspaŋ-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce spangle (audio)
: to set or sprinkle with or as if with spangles

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