First Known Use: 1538
Dictionary
1tinsel
noun tin·sel \ˈtin(t)-səl also ˈtin-zəl\
: thin strips of shiny metal or paper that are used as decoration
: something that seems attractive or appealing but is of little worth
Full Definition of TINSEL
1
: threads, strips, or sheets of metal, paper, or plastic used to produce a glittering and sparkling appearance in fabrics, yarns, or decorations
2
: something superficially attractive or glamorous but of little real worth <disfigured by no gaudy tinsel of rhetoric or declamation — Thomas Jefferson>
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See tinsel defined for kids
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Origin of TINSEL
Middle English tyneseyle cloth interwoven with metallic thread, probably from Anglo-French tencelé, past participle of tenceler, estenceler to sparkle — more at stencil
Related to TINSEL
- Synonyms
- candyfloss [British], eye candy, cotton candy
2tinsel
adjective
Definition of TINSEL
1
: made of or covered with tinsel
2
a : cheaply gaudy : tawdry b : specious, superficial <tinsel promises>
First Known Use of TINSEL
1575
3tinsel
transitive verb
tin·seled or tin·selledtin·sel·ing or tin·sel·ling \ˈtin(t)-s(ə-)liŋ also ˈtin-zə-liŋ\
Definition of TINSEL
1
: to interweave, overlay, or adorn with or as if with tinsel
2
: to impart a specious brightness to
First Known Use of TINSEL
1594
TINSEL Defined for Kids
tinsel
noun tin·sel \ˈtin-səl\
Definition of TINSEL for Kids
1
: a thread or strip of metal or plastic used for decoration
2
: something that seems attractive but is of little worth
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