A spangle is a small, flat piece of shiny material, usually round or shaped like a tiny disk, that's sewn onto fabric to make it sparkle and catch the light. Imagine a costume covered in hundreds of these glittering bits: as the person moves, the spangles flash and shimmer like stars. Dancers, circus performers, and ice skaters often wear spangled costumes because the tiny pieces catch spotlights and create a dazzling effect that makes their movements even more dramatic and eye-catching.

When something is described as star-spangled, it means covered with star-shaped decorations. You might know this phrase from “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the American national anthem, which describes the American flag with its white stars against blue fabric.

Spangles differ from sequins, though people sometimes confuse them. Spangles are often made of metal or plastic and have holes punched through them so thread can pass through and secure them flat against fabric. Sequins are usually plastic, lighter, and sewn on in a way that lets them flip and move more freely. Both add sparkle, but spangles create a bolder, more metallic gleam.

As a verb, spangle means to decorate something with spangles, or to make it sparkle with small bright points of light.