tassel

noun

tas·sel | \ ˈta-səl

, usually of corn ˈtä-, ˈtȯ-\

Definition of tassel

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a dangling ornament made by laying parallel a bunch of cords or threads of even length and fastening them at one end

2 : something resembling a tassel especially : the terminal male inflorescence of some plants and especially corn

tassel

verb

tasseled or tasselled; tasseling or tasselling\ ˈta-s(ə-)liŋ

Definition of tassel (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to adorn with tassels

intransitive verb

: to put forth tassel inflorescences

Examples of tassel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Many women took cues from Kahlo herself, adorning vibrant paper mache flowers in their hair; pom-pom tassels shimmied throughout the room. — Zachary Schwartz, Vogue, "The Brooklyn Artists Ball Was a Frida Kahlo–Inspired Fiesta," 17 Apr. 2019 Khloé completed her vacation outfit with a breezy pink-and-white beach cover up and accessorized with tassel earrings and a head bandana. — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "Khloé Kardashian Semi-Sheer White Bikini Has Me Planning My Next Vacation," 6 Sep. 2018 Cabochon & Seed-Bead tassel earrings, TALBOTS, $40, talbots.com. — Redbook, "Meet the 2017 Winners of Redbook's Real Women Style Awards!," 3 Aug. 2017 Funny Graduation Captions The tassel was worth the hassle. — Selena Barrientos, Good Housekeeping, "35 Graduation Day Instagram Captions That Will Go Perfect With Your Degree," 22 Mar. 2019 One of the artisans, Caroline, is realizing a tassel-like pattern interspersed with pastel stones and fine gold chain. — Amy Verner, Vogue, "Vogue Got an Exclusive Tour of Chanel’s Ateliers While Tonight’s Métiers d’Art Collection Was Being Made," 5 Dec. 2018 Some of these earrings feature as many as a dozen tassels per bunch. — Maggie Lange, The Cut, "Some Thoughts on the Tassel Earring," 28 June 2018 In just one week’s time, Lipa managed to bust out a shiny green skirt, a multicolored sequin wrap dress, and a deep green gown with dangling diamond tassels. — Rachel Hahn, Vogue, "Dua Lipa’s Jet-Lag Cure? A Sequined Bathrobe, Of Course," 3 Jan. 2019 Some came in leis, others wore medallions and sashes, while caps, tassels and gowns were colored light blue or navy. — Andrew J. Campa, latimes.com, "Crescenta Valley High seniors graduate with distinctions," 8 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Ganni’s beaded polka-dot bag would pair just as well with a slinky cocktail dress or vintage jeans, ditto Hunting Season’s tasseled cross-body. — Madeline Fass, Vogue, "Goodbye, Box Bags! These Evening Pouches Are Perfect for Your Holiday Parties," 15 Nov. 2018 The cape includes white ribbons on both shoulders, a large gold tasseled rope connecting both sides, and—the best part—a black velvet hat with an oversized ostrich feather, according to People. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Prince William's Super Ornate Outfit in Scotland Is Full of Royal Symbolism," 6 July 2018 Other standouts include La Double J’s architectural and frond-laden teacups and saucers, and Gucci’s tasseled throw pillow embroidered with a panther’s piercing gaze. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "MatchesFashion.com Launches Homeware—Because Gucci Shouldn’t Be Limited to Your Closet," 2 July 2018 Perhaps with some punchy pool floats (that won’t make your Instagram followers roll their eyes), or a Jenni Kayne tasseled hammock? — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "16 Poolside Accessories to Brighten Summer Parties," 15 June 2018 Corn needs about 1 inch of water a week, particularly when the stalks begin to tassel. — The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, "How To Grow Corn," 5 Apr. 2016 Melosh, on the other hand, paid for the graduationcap, gown and tassel herself. — Rachel Leingang, azcentral, "Want to participate in your graduation from an Arizona university? It will cost you," 28 Mar. 2018

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