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Definition of tinsel

tinsel

/ˈtɪn.səl/
tin · sel

Plural:tinsels
•
Adjective:tinselly
•
Past Simple:tinseled
•
Past Participle:tinseled
•
Present Participle:tinseling
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tinsel Lexical Profile

tinsel Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A form of decoration consisting of thin strips of shiny metal foil or plastic attached to a long thread, commonly draped on Christmas trees.

Example

"She carefully unspooled the silver tinsel and draped it across the snowy branches of the fir tree."


2

Something that is superficially attractive or glamorous but lacks genuine value or substance.

Example

"The critic dismissed the highly anticipated blockbuster movie as mere tinsel, lacking any artistic depth."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To adorn or decorate with thin, glittering strips of foil or plastic.

Example

"The children spent the afternoon tinseling the banisters in preparation for the holiday party."


2

To impart a superficial or deceptive brilliance to something in order to make it appear more attractive.

Example

"The marketing team attempted to tinsel the flawed product with flashy, high-budget advertisements."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for tinsel

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-Norman 'tincele' (spark, spangle), from Old French 'estincele', which derived from the Latin 'scintilla' (spark). Originally referred to a fabric interwoven with metallic thread.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tinsel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tinsel
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