spangle
UK: ˈspæŋɡl | US: ˈspæŋɡəl
n. a small, thin piece of shiny material used for decoration; a glittering ornament
vt. to decorate or cover with spangles
spangle = spang<glitter> + le<diminutive suffix>
- spang (from Middle Dutch spange, meaning "clasp" or "brooch," later associated with "glitter" or "sparkle")
- le (a diminutive suffix in English, often used to form nouns indicating smallness or endearment)
Etymology Origin:
The word spangle traces back to Middle Dutch spange, referring to a clasp or brooch, which often featured shiny metalwork. Over time, the meaning shifted to emphasize the glittering quality of such objects. The addition of the diminutive suffix -le (common in English) transformed it into a term for small, decorative sparkles. The evolution reflects a focus on visual brilliance rather than functional fastening.
The dancer’s costume was covered in spangles that caught the stage lights.
She carefully sewed spangles onto the hem of the dress for extra sparkle.
The Christmas tree shimmered with spangles and tinsel.
The artist used spangles to create a mosaic-like effect on the canvas.
Old manuscripts sometimes mention spangles as symbols of wealth and vanity.