embellishment

noun

em·​bel·​lish·​ment im-ˈbe-lish-mənt 

1

: the act or process of embellishing

2

: something serving to embellish

3

: ornament sense 5

Synonyms

• ornamentation
• ornament
• decoration
• adornment

Examples of embellishment in a Sentence

a colorful mobile is just the embellishment that the soon-to-be nursery needs

the actor's penchant for embellishment suggests that his memoirs would be more appropriately shelved in the fiction section

Recent Examples on the Web

Zara Larsson brought summery vibes to the MTV VMAs in a sheer minidress decked out with beaded embellishments and 3D florals. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

Martin's story is indeed pretty remarkable without embellishment. —Esther Zuckerman, Time, 6 Sep. 2025

Other slippers feature cute embellishments like pom-poms, ears or sequins. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025

The Good Night, and Good Luck actor spruced up for the event in a navy suit with a crisp white shirt and popped collar, while Amal also went down the monochromatic route in a white column halter dress featuring a metal embellishment. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1