a glittering metallic substance, as copper or brass, in thin sheets, used in pieces, strips, threads, etc., to produce a sparkling effect cheaply.

a metallic yarn, usually wrapped around a core yarn of silk, rayon, or cotton, for weaving brocade or lamé.

anything showy or attractive with little or no real worth; showy pretense

The actress was tired of the fantasy and tinsel of her life.

Obsolete . a fabric, formerly in use, of silk or wool interwoven with threads of gold, silver, or, later, copper.

consisting of or containing tinsel.

showy; gaudy; tawdry.

to adorn with tinsel.

to adorn with anything glittering.

to make showy or gaudy.

adjective

brummagem , chintzy , flashy , garish , glaring , loud , meretricious , tawdry

noun

clinquant , decoration , flashy , gaudy , glitter , glossy , pinchbeck , pretentious , sham , showy , spangle , tawdriness , tawdry