ornate

adjective

or·​nate ȯr-ˈnāt 

1

: marked by elaborate rhetoric (see rhetoric sense 2b) or florid (see florid sense 1a) style

He is clear and simple rather than ornate and pompous.

—The Times Literary Supplement (London)

2

: elaborately or excessively decorated

an ornate mantle

an ornate townhouse

ornate chandeliers

ornately adverb

ornateness noun

Synonyms of ornate

• baroque
• decorated
• adorned
• extravagant
• ornamented
• gilded
• florid
• loud
• lacy
• overwrought
• gingerbread
• overdecorated

Examples of ornate in a Sentence

She doesn't like ornate jewelry.

an ornate gambling casino that is designed to look like an Italian palace

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, at Mount Moriah, the graves Gerlach allegedly prayed on are old, ornate mausoleums and large crypt-like vaults, many from the 1800s. —Joe Holden, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

Those are premium tools and Joseph’s carpentry has been excellent and ornate. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026

Transporting guests into old-era vibes of a European rail car, the Orient Express is 1,000 square feet and shimmers with royal hues, brass, and ornate wood. —Kathryn Streeter, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026

Here, an ornate stone fireplace anchors the living room. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ornat, from Latin ornatus, past participle of ornare to furnish, embellish; akin to Latin ordo order — more at order

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ornate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

ornate

adjective

or·​nate ȯr-ˈnāt 

: decorated in a fancy way

ornately adverb

ornateness noun