bespangle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Extremely LowLiterary, Poetic, Ornate
Quick answer
What does “bespangle” mean?
To cover or adorn with small, shiny objects (such as spangles or sequins).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To cover or adorn with small, shiny objects (such as spangles or sequins).
To make something sparkle or glitter, either literally or figuratively, by adorning it with numerous bright points or highlights.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally archaic/poetic in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary usage in both UK and US English. Found almost exclusively in literary or descriptive historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “bespangle” in a Sentence
[Subject] bespangles [Object] (with [something])[Object] is bespangled (with [something])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bespangle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The designer chose to bespangle the gown with thousands of tiny crystals for the premiere.
American English
- Fireworks seemed to bespangle the night sky over the harbor.
adverb
British English
- The dress glittered bespangledly under the disco ball. [Note: This form is grammatically possible but exceedingly rare and awkward]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form in use]
adjective
British English
- The bespangled tutu caught the spotlight perfectly.
American English
- They gazed up at the bespangled canopy of stars.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Very rare; potentially in literary analysis or historical description of fashion/art.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bespangle”
- Using it in non-literary contexts.
- Confusing it with 'besprinkle' (which is to scatter liquid/powder).
- Using it as a noun (it is a verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, literary word. You are unlikely to encounter it outside of poetry, older literature, or highly descriptive prose.
Yes, it can be used figuratively. For example: 'His speech was bespangled with witty remarks,' meaning it was dotted or adorned with them.
The related noun is 'spangle,' meaning a small, thin, shiny piece of metal or plastic used for decoration.
Yes. 'Bespangle' specifically means to cover with many small shiny objects. 'Bedazzle' means to greatly impress with brilliance or skill, or literally to blind with light. While a bespangled object might bedazzle someone, the words are not perfect synonyms.
To cover or adorn with small, shiny objects (such as spangles or sequins).
Bespangle is usually literary, poetic, ornate in register.
Bespangle: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈspæŋɡ(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈspæŋɡ(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BEjeweled SPANGLE (a shiny sequin). To BESPANGLE is to BE covered in SPANGLES.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIGHT/SPARKLE IS DECORATION (e.g., the night sky is decorated with stars).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest meaning of 'bespangle'?