adornment

noun

adorn·​ment ə-ˈdȯrn-mənt 

1

: the action of adorning : the state of being adorned

2

: something that adorns

Synonyms of adornment

• ornamentation
• decoration
• ornament

Examples of adornment in a Sentence

the adornment of the walls with her paintings

Her room doesn't have any unnecessary adornments.

The entrance to the building has little adornment.

Recent Examples on the Web

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, architects such as Antoni Gaudí began studying skeletal anatomy not merely for adornment, but as the actual framework for buildings. — Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2026

For something that can transition beyond the office, choose a medium-size option with subtle adornment. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

For her secondary look, Lipa wore Prada pumps fixed with feather adornments. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026

The six-story lobby goes all out with adornment and craftsmanship. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English adornement, borrowed from Anglo-French aurnement, from aurner, adourner "to adorn" + -ment -ment

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

adornment

noun

adorn·​ment ə-ˈdȯrn-mənt 

1

: the action of adorning : the state of being adorned

2

: something that adorns