What does sequin mean?
A sequin is a small, shiny ornament, commonly made from plastic, metal, or imitation glass, that is attached to clothing or other fabric. Sequins may be sewn on individually or applied in rows, and they are especially associated with evening wear, costumes, dance costumes, and festive garments. Because they reflect light, they can create a sparkling effect that changes as the wearer moves. The word can also be used as a verb, meaning to decorate something with sequins, although the derived adjective "sequined" is often more natural when describing a finished garment. Sequins originally referred to small gold coins used as decorative trim, and the modern meaning developed from that earlier ornamental use. The word is useful in contexts involving fashion, costume design, crafts, and performance.
A small, flat, usually shiny ornament sewn or attached to clothing or other fabric.
"The dancer's costume sparkled with thousands of tiny sequins."
Usually used in the plural when referring to the decorative material covering a garment.
To decorate a garment or other fabric with sequins.
"The designer sequined the bodice by hand."
More common in British English; American usage often prefers the participial adjective "sequined".
Used for both individual ornaments and the decorative material collectively.
"She attached small gold sequins to the collar."
Before sequins sparkled on evening wear, the word referred to a small gold coin used as an ornament.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sequin come from?
The word comes through French from an Arabic term referring to a small coin or metallic disc. Its earlier sense was a small gold coin used as an ornament, and the current sense of a decorative clothing embellishment developed from that use. The English word is related in origin to terms such as cheque and the financial sense of check, as well as Italian zecchino.
Related word forms
How sequin is actually used
The noun is common in British and American English. The verb is more frequent in British usage, while American English more often uses forms such as "sequined" as an adjective.
Easily confused with sequin
A sequin is a decorative disk, whereas a sequence is an ordered series of items or events.