sequin
UK: ˈsiːkwɪn | US: ˈsiːkwɪn
n. a small, shiny decorative disk, typically sewn onto clothing for embellishment.
n. (historical) a former gold or silver coin used in Italy and Turkey.
The word "sequin" traces back to the Italian "zecchino," a gold coin minted in Venice, derived from "zecca" (mint). The French adapted it as "sequin," referring to the coin. Over time, the term shifted to describe the small, shiny ornaments resembling these coins, now used in fashion. The diminutive suffix "-in" subtly reinforces the idea of smallness, aligning with the modern decorative sense.
Her dress sparkled with hundreds of sequins under the stage lights.
The costume designer carefully hand-sewed each sequin onto the gown.
In Renaissance Venice, a sequin was a valuable currency.
The vintage jacket featured faded sequins from the 1920s.
Children love crafts involving glue and colorful sequins.