decorative

adjective

dec·​o·​ra·​tive ˈde-k(ə-)rə-tiv How to pronounce decorative (audio)
ˈde-kə-ˌrā-
: serving to decorate
especially : purely ornamental
decoratively adverb
decorativeness noun

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 Its Indictment of the Kids TV Industry By Emma Specter The Moroccan stitching—decorative and intrinsic to the shirt's construction—is done by a women's collective outside of Marrakech. Mark Holgate, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2024 Another warehouse was also destroyed by a fire, but researchers said the decorative walls were preserved. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2024 Firefly at 208 Main St. features handcrafted items, both functional and decorative, inspired by nature (928-639-3473, www.fireflyjerome.com). Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 22 Mar. 2024 In addition, plenty of the home’s period elements remain intact, including ornate molding and decorative wainscoting. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024 This four-pack of poppers also comes with a decorative door hanger and a pack of 3D butterfly stickers. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 6 Mar. 2024 Keep cotton swabs, cotton balls, bandages, and more in tiny decorative boxes perched on floating shelves. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2024 Dragon’s Cloud The dragon in this energetic narrative is carved out of gold over a background made using a rare technique called damascening, a form of decorative inlay using metals of contrasting colors, resulting in a layered appearance meant to resemble the organic textures found in nature. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024 The set comes with two decorative glass bowls and a matching top to display your favorite sweet treats this Easter. Gabriella Maestri, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decorative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decorative was in 1791

Dictionary Entries Near decorative

Cite this Entry

“Decorative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decorative. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

decorative

adjective
dec·​o·​ra·​tive ˈdek-(ə-)rət-iv How to pronounce decorative (audio)
ˈdek-ə-ˌrāt-
: serving to decorate : ornamental
decoratively adverb
decorativeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on decorative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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