decorative

adjective

dec·​o·​ra·​tive ˈde-k(ə-)rə-tiv 

ˈde-kə-ˌrā-

: serving to decorate

especially : purely ornamental

decoratively adverb

decorativeness noun

Synonyms of decorative

• ornamental

Examples of decorative in a Sentence

We added some decorative details to the room.

The handles are decorative and practical.

Recent Examples on the Web

Patriots also sawed off the decorative Royal Crowns displayed at the top of the fence around Bowling Green. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026

Orders for jerseys spiked 89%, while demand for decorative flags jumped 63%. — Vidhi Choudhary, Fortune, 7 July 2026

The set of three decorative signs can be hung together or scattered about the bathroom for a unique aesthetic. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 July 2026

Peel kiwis using a knife, peeler, or spoon, and slice into wedges, rounds, cubes, or decorative halves. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing decorative

• decorative art

Kids Definition

decorative

adjective

dec·​o·​ra·​tive ˈdek-(ə-)rət-iv 

ˈdek-ə-ˌrāt-

: serving to decorate : ornamental

decoratively adverb

decorativeness noun