Tinsel
A shiny decorative strip or thread of metal or plastic used for festive ornamentation; also, something that appears glamorous but is superficial.
nounTinsel
A shiny decorative strip or thread of metal or plastic used for festive ornamentation; also, something that appears glamorous but is superficial.
nounImagine This
Imagine a Christmas tree draped with long, shimmering strands of narrow tin-colored foil that catch every light and turn the tree into a cascade of tiny mirrors.
Sounds Like
TIN-səl
Looks Like
A thin, shiny strip of foil or thread resembling glittering metal ribbon
Remember This
Historically, tinsel was made from real silver or gold-coated strands; today it is commonly aluminum or plastic. It is also used metaphorically to refer to superficial glamour that lacks real substance.
Other Forms
Connect With
glitter, ornament, decoration, gaudery, showiness, ornamentation
Note
Tinsel is usually uncountable; you would say 'a strand of tinsel' rather than 'tinsels' in most contexts.