Word
tassel
Phoneticstas·sel, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtæsəɫ/
UK/tˈæsəl/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a bunch of threads or strings tied together at one end that hang down as a decoration. You often see them on the corners of cushions, on curtains, or on graduation hats.
n. a decorative ornament consisting of a bunch of threads, cords, or strands hanging from a roundish knob or knot. Frequently used in upholstery, drapery, and ceremonial dress.
Examples
“The cat likes to play with the tassel on the curtain.”
“After the graduation ceremony, the students moved the tassel on their caps from the right side to the left.”
“The velvet cushions were finished with ornate gold tassels, adding a touch of Victorian elegance to the otherwise modern living room.”
Examples
simple
“The cat likes to play with the tassel on the curtain.”
contextual
“After the graduation ceremony, the students moved the tassel on their caps from the right side to the left.”
complex
“The velvet cushions were finished with ornate gold tassels, adding a touch of Victorian elegance to the otherwise modern living room.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “tassel” in context.
Verb
01. attach tassel
“She decided to attach a tassel to the zipper of her handbag.”
verb + noun
02. flip tassel
“Graduates traditionally flip the tassel from right to left after receiving their diplomas.”
verb + noun
03. fringe with tassel
“The edges of the shawl were fringed with small tassels.”
verb + prep + noun
04. tassel dangle
“A single red tassel dangled from the end of the bookmark.”
noun + verb
05. tassel sway
“The tassels on her boots swayed as she walked down the street.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. decorative tassel
“The curtains were finished with a heavy decorative tassel at each corner.”
adj + noun
07. ornate tassel
“The antique key was tied to an ornate tassel made of gold thread.”
adj + noun
08. silk tassel
“The traditional graduation cap features a long silk tassel.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. pair of tassels
“The loafers were decorated with a small pair of tassels on the front.”
noun + prep + noun
10. row of tassels
“A row of tassels hung from the bottom of the lampshade.”
noun + prep + noun
11. adorned with gold tassels
“The royal cushions were richly adorned with gold tassels.”
12. move the tassel across
“The students were told to move the tassel across their caps to signify graduation.”
Usage
Commonly used in the context of interior design and academic regalia.
Real-World Examples
“The graduates lined up, brushing off their gowns and adjusting classmates’ tassels and stoles.” “And then there were flashes that delighted: a pair of equestrian boots that finished in a bunch of tassels.” Etymology
The English tassel is derived from the Middle English tassel, which entered the language from the Old French tassel. The French term is traced to the Latin tāxillus, meaning a small cube or die, which is itself a diminutive of tālus, the Latin word for an ankle or a knucklebone. The transition from a small bone used in gaming to an ornamental fringe reflects a shift in focus from the shape of the toggle that once secured a garment to the decorative cordage that followed it.
From Old French tassel, meaning a fastening or a clasp, which descends from Latin taxillus, a small die or cube. The term appears in Middle English during the 14th century to denote a decorative tuft of threads, moving from the functional realm of the cloak-fastening to the purely ornamental. The Latin root taxillus is itself a diminutive of talus, an anklebone, reflecting the ancient practice of using such bones as dice.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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