tinsel JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU
/ˈtɪn.səl/ · tin.sel
noun
- A shining material used for ornamental purposes; especially, a very thin, gauzelike cloth with much gold or silver woven into it; also, very thin metal overlaid with a thin coating of gold or silver, brass foil, or the like. The decorations on the Christmas tree were made of tinsel and glittering ornaments.
- Very thin strips of a glittering, metallic material used as a decoration, and traditionally draped at Christmas time over streamers, paper chains and the branches of Christmas trees. The children loved to hang tinsel on the Christmas tree every year.
- Anything shining and gaudy; something superficially shining and showy, or having a false luster, and more pretty than valuable. The flashy jewelry was just tinsel and didn't have any real value.
verb
- To adorn with tinsel; to deck out with cheap but showy ornaments; to make gaudy. The store owner tinselled the window display for the holiday season.
- To give a false sparkle to (something). The politician's promises were just tinselling the public with empty words.
adjective
- Glittering, later especially superficially so; gaudy, showy. The tinsel-covered Christmas tree was a sight to behold.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? The word 'tinsel' has been used in English since the 15th century, and has been associated with Christmas decorations since the 18th century.