tassel

1 of 2

noun

tas·​sel ˈta-səl How to pronounce tassel (audio)
usually of corn ˈtä-, 
ˈtȯ-
1
: a dangling ornament made by laying parallel a bunch of cords or threads of even length and fastening them at one end
2
: something resembling a tassel
especially : the terminal male inflorescence of some plants and especially corn

Illustration of tassel

Illustration of tassel
  • tassel 1

tassel

2 of 2

verb

tasseled or tasselled; tasseling or tasselling ˈta-s(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce tassel (audio)

transitive verb

: to adorn with tassels

intransitive verb

: to put forth tassel inflorescences

Examples of tassel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Colorful weavings wrap around the room and up to the top, where cascades of tassels spill down above my head. — Shilo Urban, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026 Accented with tassels for a resort vibe. — ABC News, 20 June 2026
Verb
The Colombian singer wore flowers for earmuffs, and spread her arms to reveal rainbow day-glo tassels streaming from her elbows. — Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2023 Corn was just starting to tassel across much of the Midwest, including fields in southern Indiana, a golden crown signaling the end of the season. — Journal Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for tassel

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, clasp, tassel, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *tassellus, alteration of Latin taxillus small die; akin to Latin talus anklebone, die

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of tassel was in the 14th century

Rhymes for tassel

See All Rhymes for tassel

Browse Nearby Words

tasse
tassel
tassel bush
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tassel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tassel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tassel

1 of 2 noun
tas·​sel ˈtas-əl How to pronounce tassel (audio)
also especially of corn ˈtäs-, 
ˈtȯs-
1
: a hanging ornament made of a bunch of cords fastened at one end
2
: something resembling a tassel
especially : the male flower cluster on the top of some plants and especially corn

tassel

2 of 2 verb
tasseled or tasselled; tasseling or tasselling
-(ə-)liŋ
: to adorn with or put forth tassels

More from Merriam-Webster on tassel

Nglish: Translation of tassel for Spanish Speakers

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