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

One of the museum’s most celebrated exhibits is the priceless Trà Kiệu Pedestal, a huge, ornate altar featuring symbolic images such as Apsara dancers. —Tamara Hinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2026

The ornate cornice on the top of the building also collapsed. —Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026

In South Asia, one migratory shad, the hilsa, is so culturally important that it is sometimes given as a wedding gift, wrapped in ornate cloth and adorned with flowers. —Zeb Hogan, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026

Unexpected graphics Historic buildings in Milan, with their ornate, decorative surfaces, also inspired much of the decor in this apartment. —Ludovica Stevan, Architectural Digest, 22 Mar. 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