tassel

1 of 2

noun

tas·​sel ˈta-səl 

 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

• tassel 1

tassel

2 of 2

verb

tasseled or tasselled; tasseling or tasselling ˈta-s(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

: to adorn with tassels

intransitive verb

: to put forth tassel inflorescences

Examples of tassel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Frick’s Old Masters looked fine, though very different, and everyone probably missed the rarefied ambiance when Rembrandt, Turner, and Fragonard mixed with the Frick’s tassels, walnut walls, and fat sofas. —Brian T. Allen, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025

From tassel loafers to penny loafers, these platform styles can take your personal style to new heights — literally. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025

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

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

Rhymes for tassel

• castle
• facile
• gracile
• hassall
• hassle
• passel
• vassal
• fluorouracil
• thiouracil
• forecastle
• uracil
• propylthiouracil

Kids Definition

tassel

1 of 2 noun

tas·​sel ˈtas-əl 

 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