sequin
SEE-kwin
/ˈsiː.kwɪn/
A small, shiny, disk-shaped ornamental bead sewn onto fabric to reflect light.
Implies a reflective metallic or plastic disc used on festive or high-fashion garments.
The story behind the word. Traced to the Venetian gold coin called the 'zecchino'. When small coins were sewn onto garments in the Ottoman region for safe storage and decoration, European high fashion adopted the practice and retained the coin's name for decorative shiny discs.
Word relationships
- spangle: 'Spangle' is an older term for any shiny ornament, while 'sequin' is the modern standard for flat reflective discs.
- matte: 'Matte' describes a non-reflective, dull surface texture.
Commonly confused with
- rhinestone: A 'rhinestone' is a faceted faux gemstone, whereas a 'sequin' is a flat circular disc with a center hole.
Word family
- sequined (adjective): Decorated with shiny sequins
Collocations
- shimmering sequins
- sequin dress
- covered in sequins
- sparkling sequin
Example sentences
- "Every sequin on her jacket glimmered brilliantly under the ballroom lights." Evening Attire
- "Hand-sewing individual sequins onto the dress required weeks of painstaking labor." Garment Decorating
Memory hook
SEE how the SEQUIN shines like a tiny gold coin! Shiny coin-like disc.
When not to use
Do not confuse with fabric thread, yarn, or large gemstone beads.
Fun facts
- Early historical sequins were crafted from real stamped gold or silver metal, making garments very heavy.
Related words
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