ornamental

1 of 2

adjective

or·​na·​men·​tal ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl 

: of, relating to, or serving as ornament

specifically : grown as an ornamental

ornamentally

ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

ornamental

2 of 2

noun

: a decorative object

especially : a plant cultivated for its beauty rather than for use

Synonyms of ornamental

Adjective

• decorative

Noun

• ornament
• novelty
• souvenir
• bauble
• knickknack
• trinket

Examples of ornamental in a Sentence

Adjective

The garden has many ornamental shrubs.

the trim on Victorian houses is sometimes elaborately ornamental

Noun

The garden has many beautiful ornamentals.

a collection of fragile ornamentals kept in a glass cabinet

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The late princess is laid to rest on an island at the center of the ornamental lake known as The Round Oval within Althorp Park’s Pleasure Garden. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 24 July 2026

Small ornamental trees should be planted 10 to 15 feet from your house, while large trees should be 20 feet from your home at a minimum. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 July 2026

Noun

Gardeners can naturally reduce beetle populations and protect their landscapes by planting geraniums among more susceptible ornamentals. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026

While the company has changed its product over the years, from produce to ornamentals, he's always grown to serve his local community. — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1595, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ornamental

• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental
• fundamental
• governmental
• incidental
• incremental
• instrumental
• interdental
• monumental

Kids Definition

ornamental

1 of 2 adjective

or·​na·​men·​tal ˌȯr-nə-ˈment-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or serving as ornament

ornamentally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

ornamental

2 of 2 noun

: a decorative object

especially : a plant cultivated for its beauty rather than for use