spangle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very low frequency)Literary, descriptive, occasionally poetic. The noun is more common in specific contexts like fashion/costume, the verb is highly literary.
Quick answer
What does “spangle” mean?
A small, thin, shiny piece of metal or plastic sewn onto fabric for decoration.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, thin, shiny piece of metal or plastic sewn onto fabric for decoration; a small sparkling object.
Anything that glitters or sparkles, like a dewdrop in sunlight; the verb means to decorate with or as if with spangles, or to cause to sparkle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and used in the same contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it often carries connotations of gaudiness or cheap glamour (esp. noun), or delicate, natural beauty (esp. verb/past participle).
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Its use is almost entirely confined to descriptive, literary, or niche fashion/craft contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “spangle” in a Sentence
Noun: The spangles on the dress...Verb (transitive, often passive): The night was spangled with stars. She spangled the fabric.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spangle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The queen's gown was spangled with thousands of tiny crystals.
- Frost spangled the grass in the early morning.
American English
- They decided to spangle the backdrop for the school play.
- The dark velvet was spangled with silver thread.
adjective
British English
- The spangle effect was achieved with sequins.
- She preferred a more subtle look to the spangle decoration.
American English
- The spangle trim looked cheap under the bright lights.
- It had a spangle, disco-era aesthetic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, except in literary analysis or historical costume studies.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used to describe a very glittery item of clothing.
Technical
Used in textile, fashion, or costume design to refer to specific decorative elements.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spangle”
- Using 'spangle' as a general verb for 'sparkle' (e.g., 'The water spangled' is very poetic/unnatural). Confusing it with 'speckle' (which implies spots, not sparkle).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar. 'Sequins' are the modern, common term. 'Spangles' can be synonymous but sometimes imply a slightly older-fashioned or specific type of shiny decoration.
Rarely. You might see 'spangle' used attributively (e.g., 'spangle fabric'), but 'spangled' is the standard adjective form.
It's not formal in a bureaucratic sense; it's literary or descriptive. It sounds poetic or specialised.
Most commonly as the past participle 'spangled', especially in the fixed phrase 'star-spangled' (as in 'The Star-Spangled Banner').
A small, thin, shiny piece of metal or plastic sewn onto fabric for decoration.
Spangle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspæŋ.ɡəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspæŋ.ɡəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SPANGLE rhymes with TANGLE. Imagine a dress so covered in shiny spangles that they get TANGLED together, sparkling.
Conceptual Metaphor
STARS ARE SPANGLES (The sky is a dark fabric spangled with stars). GLITTER IS A DECORATIVE COVERING (Her speech was spangled with witty remarks).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'spangled' used most naturally?