sequin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal in fashion/design contexts; informal in everyday descriptions of clothing.
Quick answer
What does “sequin” mean?
A small, shiny, decorative disk, typically made of metal or plastic, sewn onto clothing for ornamentation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, shiny, decorative disk, typically made of metal or plastic, sewn onto clothing for ornamentation.
In computing, a sequin can refer to a small graphical element used in digital design or animation to simulate sparkle. Historically, it was a Venetian gold coin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations of glamour, festivity, and (sometimes) tackiness.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, associated with the same contexts (fashion, dance, theatre).
Grammar
How to Use “sequin” in a Sentence
[garment] + be + covered/studded/adorned + with + sequinssequin + [noun] (e.g., sequin dress, sequin detail)verb (sew, glue, attach) + sequins + onto + [surface]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sequin” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The designer chose to sequin the entire bodice by hand.
- They will sequin the cuffs for a subtle sparkle.
American English
- She decided to sequin the collar for extra flair.
- We can sequin the edges to make it pop.
adverb
British English
- The dress sparkled sequinly under the lights. (Rare/poetic)
- Not standard usage.
American English
- Not standard usage.
adjective
British English
- She wore a beautiful sequinned gown to the ball.
- The sequinned detailing caught everyone's eye.
American English
- He bought a sequined jacket for the concert.
- The sequined pillow added a festive touch.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in fashion retail, manufacturing, and design (e.g., 'The sequin trim increased the production cost.').
Academic
Rare. May appear in historical studies of costume or textile design.
Everyday
Describing clothing for parties, weddings, or performances (e.g., 'Her bag has sequins on it.').
Technical
In costume design, textile manufacturing, and sometimes in computer graphics for texture mapping.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sequin”
- Misspelling as 'sequence' or 'sequined' (correct spelling for the adjective is 'sequinned' in UK English, often 'sequined' in US English).
- Using as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'to sequin a dress' is non-standard; use 'to adorn with sequins' or 'to sequin' is very rare/niche).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is very rare and considered non-standard or jargon within fashion design. The preferred phrasing is 'adorn/decorate with sequins' or 'apply sequins to'.
A sequin is typically a small, flat, reflective disk, often with a hole for sewing. A rhinestone is a faceted, gem-like imitation stone, usually with a flat back for gluing or setting, designed to refract light like a diamond.
It is pronounced SEE-kwin (/ˈsiːkwɪn/) in both British and American English.
Both are accepted. 'Sequined' is more common in American English, while 'sequinned' (double 'n') is the standard form in British English.
A small, shiny, decorative disk, typically made of metal or plastic, sewn onto clothing for ornamentation.
Sequin is usually neutral to formal in fashion/design contexts; informal in everyday descriptions of clothing. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The word is used literally.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SEE a QUEEN' in a sparkling, SEQUINned dress.
Conceptual Metaphor
GLITTER IS ATTRACTION / DECORATION IS CELEBRATION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most precise synonym for 'sequin' in a fashion context?