Definition of tinsel

• n. - A shining material used for ornamental purposes; especially, a very thin, gauzelike cloth with much gold or silver woven into it; also, very thin metal overlaid with a thin coating of gold or silver, brass foil, or the like.
• n. - Something shining and gaudy; something superficially shining and showy, or having a false luster, and more gay than valuable.
• a. - Showy to excess; gaudy; specious; superficial.
• v. t. - To adorn with tinsel; to deck out with cheap but showy ornaments; to make gaudy.