fascinator

A woman wears a fascinator to a garden party.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small, decorative headpiece: A "fascinator" is a lightweight, often ornate headpiece or hair accessory, typically worn at formal events like weddings or horse races, as an alternative to a hat.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She wore a fascinator with feathers and flowers to the royal wedding. (A decorative headpiece worn for a formal occasion.)
  • The fascinator was secured to her hair with a clip. (The headpiece was attached using a clip.)

Advanced Usage

• "Fascinator" as a fashion accessory: In contemporary fashion, a fascinator is distinct from a hat because it does not cover the entire head; it is often perched on the side or top of the head.

  • The bride's fascinator featured intricate beading and netting. (The headpiece was elaborately decorated.)

• Historical usage: The term originally referred to a lightweight, often knitted or crocheted head covering worn by women in the 19th century, but this meaning is now largely obsolete.

  • Victorian women sometimes wore a fascinator made of lace. (A historical head covering.)

Variants and Related Words

• Fascinate (verb): to attract and hold the attention of someone.

  • The magician's tricks fascinate the children. (The tricks captivate their attention.)

• Fascinating (adj): extremely interesting or captivating.

  • The documentary about space was fascinating. (It was very engaging.)

• Fascination (noun): the state of being intensely interested or attracted.

  • She watched the spider with fascination. (She was very interested.)

Synonyms

• Headpiece: a general term for any decorative item worn on the head.
• Hair accessory: an item used to decorate or secure hair, such as a clip, comb, or band.
• Cocktail hat: a small, often whimsical hat worn to formal events, similar to a fascinator.

Related Idioms