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 of embellishment

• 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

Maximalism made its comeback, as embellishments, graphic tees and structured bras dominated many of the buzziest offerings, pushing past seasons’ minimalist tilt to the wayside. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026

Footwear also took a distinctly feminine direction this season, with embellishment playing a major role. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Her character is seen wearing a black velvet hood with giant rhinestone scorpion embellishments on the front. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 9 Oct. 2026

The custom Louis Vuitton look featured a cutout around her stomach, lace embellishments and a dramatic train. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1