'Tinsel' definitions:

Definition of 'tinsel'

From: WordNet
noun
A showy decoration that is basically valueless; "all the tinsel of self-promotion"
noun
A thread with glittering metal foil attached
verb
Impart a cheap brightness to; "his tinseled image of Hollywood"
verb
Adorn with tinsel; "snow flakes tinseled the trees"
verb
Interweave with tinsel; "tinseled velvet"

Definition of 'Tinsel'

From: GCIDE
  • Tinsel \Tin"sel\, n. [F. ['e]tincelle a spark, OF. estincelle, L. scintilla. Cf. Scintillate, Stencil.]
  • 1. 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Who can discern the tinsel from the gold? --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Something shining and gaudy; something superficially shining and showy, or having a false luster, and more gay than valuable. [1913 Webster]
  • O happy peasant! O unhappy bard! His the mere tinsel, hers the rich reward. --Cowper. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Tinsel'

From: GCIDE
  • Tinsel \Tin"sel\, a. Showy to excess; gaudy; specious; superficial. "Tinsel trappings." --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Tinsel'

From: GCIDE
  • Tinsel \Tin"sel\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tinseledor Tinselled; p. pr. & vb. n. Tinseling or Tinselling.] To adorn with tinsel; to deck out with cheap but showy ornaments; to make gaudy. [1913 Webster]
  • She, tinseled o'er in robes of varying hues. --Pope. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'tinsel'

From: Moby Thesaurus