tassel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, descriptive, technical (in botany/architecture).
Quick answer
What does “tassel” mean?
A decorative hanging ornament consisting of a bunch of loose threads or cords bound together at one end and often attached to clothing, furnishings, or academic caps.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A decorative hanging ornament consisting of a bunch of loose threads or cords bound together at one end and often attached to clothing, furnishings, or academic caps.
1. The tufted head of certain plants, especially maize/corn. 2. In architecture, a pendant ornament resembling a tassel.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Tassel' as a noun is identical. The botanical sense (corn tassel) is more frequent in American English due to agricultural context.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations are of traditional ornamentation, formality (as on academic regalia or curtain ties), and sometimes opulence.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to the common use of 'corn tassel'.
Grammar
How to Use “tassel” in a Sentence
[N] + tasseltassel + [of + N] (material)tassel + [on + N] (location)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tassel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The craftsman will carefully tassel the edges of the ceremonial banner.
- The maize began to tassel in the late summer heat.
American English
- She decided to tassel the throw pillows for a bohemian look.
- The corn is tasseling early this year.
adverb
British English
- None standard.
American English
- None standard.
adjective
British English
- The tassel trim on the lampshade added a Victorian touch.
- He bought a pair of tassel loafers.
American English
- She preferred a tassel fringe on her living room drapes.
- His tassel loafers were his favourite casual shoes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific sectors like interior design, fashion, or academic regalia manufacturing.
Academic
Specific in descriptions of historical dress, architecture, or botany (plant morphology).
Everyday
Used when describing home décor (curtains, cushions), clothing details, or graduation caps.
Technical
Botany: the male inflorescence of a maize plant. Architecture: a small carved ornament.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tassel”
- Misspelling as 'tassle'. Confusing 'tassel' (noun) with 'tussle' (verb, to fight). Incorrect plural: 'tassels' (regular).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is rare and specialised. It means 'to adorn with tassels' or, in botany, 'to form a tassel' (e.g., 'The corn is tasseling').
A fringe is a border of hanging threads, often even in length. A tassel is a distinct, gathered bunch of threads hanging from a single point, often used as a singular ornament.
It symbolises the transition from candidate to graduate. Typically, the tassel is worn on the right side before the degree is conferred and moved to the left side afterwards.
Yes. Its primary extended meaning is in botany for the male flowering part of a maize/corn plant (the corn tassel).
A decorative hanging ornament consisting of a bunch of loose threads or cords bound together at one end and often attached to clothing, furnishings, or academic caps.
Tassel is usually formal, descriptive, technical (in botany/architecture). in register.
Tassel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtæs.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtæs.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None core. Potential creative use: 'the tassel was worth the hassle' (play on graduation motto).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TASSel hanging from a fancy dress at a Scottish ceilidh – the 'TASS' is loose and swings.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TASSEL IS A MARKER OF COMPLETION/ACHIEVEMENT (graduation). A TASSEL IS A SYMBOL OF LUXURY/STATUS (opulent furnishings).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'tassel' used technically to describe a specific plant structure?