noun

tassel

TA-suhl

Tassel (noun) means a hanging bundle of threads or cords, tied at one end, used as decoration. Example: “The curtains were trimmed with gold tassels.”

noun

A hanging bundle of threads or cords, tied at one end, used as decoration.

"The curtains were trimmed with gold tassels."

"Her graduation cap had a blue tassel."

verb

To decorate something with tassels.

"The cushions were tasselled along every edge."

How to use tassel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA decorative bunch of hanging threads, seen on curtains, cushions, graduation caps, and clothing.

Common pairings

gold tassel graduation tassel tasselled cushion

Word forms

tasseled past tense, tasselled past tense, tassels plural, tassels singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The curtains were trimmed with gold _____.

Etymology

From Old French tassel, from Latin tāxillus (small cube/die), related to tālus, meaning ankle.

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does “tassel” mean?

The word “tassel” means a hanging bundle of threads or cords, tied at one end, used as decoration. In plain terms, a decorative bunch of hanging threads, seen on curtains, cushions, graduation caps, and clothing.

How do you pronounce “tassel”?

“Tassel” is pronounced TA-suhl (/ˈtæsəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “tassel” in a sentence?

Here is “tassel” used in a sentence: “The curtains were trimmed with gold tassels.”

What part of speech is “tassel”?

Depending on how it is used, “tassel” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “tassel” come from?

The word “tassel” comes from Latin. From Old French tassel, from Latin tāxillus (small cube/die), related to tālus, meaning ankle.

How many meanings does “tassel” have?

“Tassel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hanging bundle of threads or cords, tied at one end, used as decoration.