n. In electricity, fine threads of copper or bronze wire used in making up flexible stranded conductors for portable and other fixtures.Specifically, to embellish (ceramic ware) with metallic effects.n. Loss; forfeiture.n. Some glittering metallic substance, as burnished brass, copper, or tin, made in sheets approaching the thinness of foil, and used in pieces, strips, or threads for any purpose in which a sparkling effect is desired without much cost. Gold and silver tinsel, round or flat, made of Dutch metal, is much employed in the manufacture of artificial flies.n. A fabric or some material for dress overlaid or shot with glittering metallic sparkles or threads. The name has been given to cloth of silk interwoven with gold or silver threads.n. Figuratively, glistening or gaudy show; superficial glitter or sparkle; garish pretense.Consisting of, or characteristic of, tinsel; hence, gaudy; showy to excess; speciously glittering.To adorn with tinsel; hence, to adorn with anything showy and glittering.