French word

paillette

Pronunciation

IPA/pajɛt/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsequin

Example

Sa robe est couverte de paillettes.

Her dress is covered in sequins.

Illustration for paillette (sequin)

More examples

Le sac est décoré de paillettes.

The bag is decorated with sequins.

Core concept

Small shining discs arranged on clothing or an accessory, creating a glittering surface as they shift.

Common phrases

  • robe à paillettes

    sequin dress

  • jupe à paillettes

    sequin skirt

Similar words

sequin: A flat, round decorative piece sewn onto clothing for a bright sparkle.
strass: A tiny, jewel-like ornament with a strong, sparkling reflection.

Definition in French

Ornement léger et souvent circulaire, fixé sur un tissu ou un accessoire pour produire des reflets et du scintillement.

Word origin

Paillette developed from paille, 'straw', through the diminutive form paillette, whose sense came to include shiny decorative pieces.

Usage tips

  • The double l in paillette has a y sound, and the final t is pronounced rather than silent.

Other meanings

  • glitternoun

Opposites

Related words

  • pailletésequinedadjective
  • pailleteradd sequins toverb
  • pailletagesequin embellishmentnoun

Word lists with this word