Definition of Tinsel

1. Noun. A showy decoration that is basically valueless. "All the tinsel of self-promotion"

Generic synonyms: Decoration, Ornament, Ornamentation
Derivative terms: Tinselly

2. Verb. Impart a cheap brightness to. "His tinseled image of Hollywood"
Generic synonyms: Add, Bestow, Bring, Contribute, Impart, Lend

3. Noun. A thread with glittering metal foil attached.
Generic synonyms: Thread, Yarn
Derivative terms: Tinselly

4. Verb. Adorn with tinsel. "Snow flakes tinseled the trees"

5. Verb. Interweave with tinsel. "Tinseled velvet"
Generic synonyms: Interweave, Weave

Definition of Tinsel

1. n. 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.

2. a. Showy to excess; gaudy; specious; superficial.

3. v. t. To adorn with tinsel; to deck out with cheap but showy ornaments; to make gaudy.

Definition of Tinsel

1. 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. ¹

2. Noun. 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. ¹

3. Noun. Anything shining and gaudy; something superficially shining and showy, or having a false luster, and more gay than valuable. ¹

4. Adjective. Glittering, later especially superficially so; gaudy, showy. ¹

5. Verb. (transitive) To adorn with tinsel; to deck out with cheap but showy ornaments; to make gaudy. ¹

6. Verb. (context: figuratively transitive) To give a false sparkle to (something). ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Tinsel

1. to give a showy or gaudy appearance to [v -SELED, -SELING, -SELS or -SELLED, -SELLING, -SELS]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Tinsel

tinnitus aurium
tinnitus cerebri
tinnituses
tinnock
tinny
tinplate
tinplated
tinplates
tinplating
tinpot
tinpot(a)
tinpot dictator
tinpot dictators
tinpots
tins
tinsel (current term)
tinseled
tinseling
tinselled
tinselling
tinselly
tinselry
tinsels
tinsey
tinseys
tinsful
tinsleyite
tinsmith
tinsmithies
tinsmithing

Literary usage of Tinsel

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. American Game Fishes: Their Habits, Habitat, and Peculiarities; How, When by W. A. Perry (1892)
"Gold tinsel, and red silk bntt. BODT.-White chenille. HACKLE.—Brown. ... TAIL.—Wood-dock, black and white, and yellow swan. TA».—Gold tinsel. BOOT. ..."

2. American Game Fishes: Their Habits, Habitat, and Peculiarities; How, When by W. A. Perry (1892)
"Gold tinsel. BODY.—Light green, ribbed, gold or yellow Silk. ... Gold tinsel. BODY—Red silk, ribbed, gold, hackle carried op the entire length. HACKLE. ..."

3. The Foundations of Indian Economics by Radhakamal Mukerjee (1916)
"CHAPTER XVI SOLA MANUFACTURE AND tinsel INDUSTRY THE demand for tinsel work is still ... Images have for a long time been decorated with tinsel ornaments, ..."

4. The Innocents Abroad, Or, The New Pilgrims' Progress: Being Some Account of by Mark Twain (1870)
"But I can never have any confidence in the tinsel kings of the theatre after this. It will be a great loss. I used to take such a thrilling pleasure in them ..."

5. The Innocents Abroad; Or, The New Pilgrim's Progress: Being Some Account of by Mark Twain (1884)
"But I can never have any confidence in the tinsel kings of the theatre after this. It will be a great loss. I used to take such a thrilling pleasure in them ..."

6. Songs for Parents by John Chipman Farrar (1921)
"A real star has far fields to roam, A tinsel star must stay at home. It is a terrible vexation To be a silly imitation! ..."

7. The Works of Joseph Addison: Including the Whole Contents of Bp. Hurd's by Joseph Addison (1853)
"tinsel. Dost thou see any thing about me thou dost not like ? ... tinsel. I have one in my eye for thee. Dost thou love a young lusty son of a whore ? ..."

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