What does spangled mean?
Spangled means covered or decorated with many small, glittering points. It is commonly used for objects that catch and reflect light, such as fabric covered with sequins, a stage illuminated by tiny bulbs, or a night sky filled with stars. The expression “spangled with stars” is especially familiar and can describe anything covered with points of light. Spangled can also function as a verb: to spangle something is to decorate it with small shiny objects, often metal discs, sequins, or lights. The word carries a distinctly visual and decorative quality, suggesting sparkle, festivity, or an abundance of reflected light. Although it can be used in formal descriptions of clothing, designs, and scenery, it also has a somewhat literary or poetic flavor when applied metaphorically to skies, landscapes, or other scenes.
Covered or decorated with small, glittering points or objects.
"The costume was spangled with rhinestones."
Often figurative, as in “spangled with stars” or “spangled with lights.”
To decorate something with small shiny objects or points of light.
"The designer spangled the dress with silver sequins."
Usually used with “with,” naming the objects or points that provide the decoration.
The phrase “star-spangled” evokes a night sky scattered with points of light—and helped give the United States its national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spangled come from?
Spangled developed from the Middle English noun spangle, meaning a small glittering ornament or disk. The associated verb originally referred to glittering or sparkling and developed the sense of decorating with small reflective ornaments. The ultimate origin of spangle is uncertain, so its connection to any proposed cognates cannot be stated confidently.
Related word forms
How spangled is actually used
The adjective is often figurative, especially in the expression “spangled with stars.” As a verb, it normally takes “with” and describes decoration by small reflective objects or points of light.
Easily confused with spangled
Spangled describes something decorated or covered with glittering points, whereas sparkled describes the brief or shifting appearance of light.