tin·sel
ˈtin(t)-səl 
also ˈtin-zəl
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
Thomas Jefferson1
: made of or covered with tinsel
2
a
: cheaply gaudy : tawdry
b
: specious, superficial
tinsel promises
tinseled or tinselled; tinseling or tinselling
ˈtin(t)-s(ə-)liŋ
also ˈtin-zə-liŋ
1
: to interweave, overlay, or adorn with or as if with tinsel
2
: to impart a specious brightness to
Examples of tinsel in a Sentence
Noun
I like to decorate the Christmas tree with tinsel.
He's not attracted to the tinsel and glitter of Hollywood.
Recent Examples on the Web
Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
With her red hair tinsel glistening and her new fur coat covering her work wear — a gold g-string — Madison is exhilarating to watch on screen.
—Amanda Luberto, The Arizona Republic, 23 Oct. 2024
Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 20 Nov. 2024
In another image where wearing a tinsel Christmas outfit with a star (above).
—EW.com, 1 Nov. 2023
Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Oct. 2024
Connor’s new prints, on the other hand, made by the industrial dye-sublimation process on aluminum, are but tinseled imitations of her own extraordinary originals.
—Charles Desmarais, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Mar. 2018
See all Example Sentences for tinsel 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Decadent bows, unique ornaments, vibrant colors, and tinsel garlands are guaranteed to create a statement on your Christmas tree.
—Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
With her red hair tinsel glistening and her new fur coat covering her work wear — a gold g-string — Madison is exhilarating to watch on screen.
—Amanda Luberto, The Arizona Republic, 23 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Outfitted with neon signs, kitschy leg lamps, hanging tinsel, vibrant baubles, and more, Blitzen's Bar at the Omni is a true Christmas miracle.
—Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 20 Nov. 2024
In another image where wearing a tinsel Christmas outfit with a star (above).
—EW.com, 1 Nov. 2023
Verb
Irvington's Salon Citrine is offering hair tinseling for $10 per strand.
—Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Oct. 2024
Connor’s new prints, on the other hand, made by the industrial dye-sublimation process on aluminum, are but tinseled imitations of her own extraordinary originals.
—Charles Desmarais, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Mar. 2018
See all Example Sentences for tinsel
Dictionary Entries Near tinsel
Cite this Entry
“Tinsel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tinsel. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share