tassel

1 of 2

noun

tas·​sel ˈta-səl 

 usually of corn  ˈtä-,

ˈtȯ-

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

Illustration of tassel

• tassel 1

tassel

2 of 2

verb

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

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

Its pièce de résistance is a real sparkler on top — a distinguishing feature of this location, as online reviewers have reported silvery tassels at some other restaurants. —Linze Rice, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2023

Loafers still come in the penny, tassel, and venetian varieties. —Brad Lanphear, Men's Health, 5 Sep. 2023

In addition to the famous tassels, the store carries apparel, handbags, stationery, and décor. —Liz Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2023

And, in staying true to the fun, inviting vibe, the tassels help add some personality to your space. —Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 29 Aug. 2023

The removable wrist strap and stylish tassel make this a fashionable yet functional accessory to have in your collection. —Mark Heim | [e-mail], al, 27 Aug. 2023

Roll the tassel back and forth using a sponge to moisten your hand as needed. —New York Times, 27 July 2023

The graduates lined up, brushing off their gowns and adjusting classmates’ tassels and stoles. —Aaron Morrison, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 June 2023

Inspired by wedding season and springtime festivities, the collection consists of romantic ensembles made with statement embellishments and fabrics like sequins, feathers, tassels, taffeta and silk. —People Staff, Peoplemag, 22 June 2023

Verb

Corn was just starting to tassel across much of the Midwest, including fields in southern Indiana, a golden crown signaling the end of the season. —Journal Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2022

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Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, clasp, tassel, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *tassellus, alteration of Latin taxillus small die; akin to Latin talus anklebone, die

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

tassel

1 of 2 noun

tas·​sel ˈtas-əl 

 also especially of corn  ˈtäs-,

ˈtȯs-

1

: a hanging ornament made of a bunch of cords fastened at one end

2

: something resembling a tassel

especially : the male flower cluster on the top of some plants and especially corn

tassel

2 of 2 verb

tasseled or tasselled; tasseling or tasselling

-(ə-)liŋ

: to adorn with or put forth tassels