adornment

noun

adorn·​ment ə-ˈdȯrn-mənt 

1

: the action of adorning : the state of being adorned

2

: something that adorns

Synonyms

• 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

Both were for the young, the inexperienced, and for people whose reality was dull enough and sturdy enough to make fantasy or imagination a desirable escape or a necessary adornment. —Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025

The Row arguably makes our favorite luxury version for everyday, with strappy detailing and a jewel-like adornment. —Lara Oliveri, Vogue, 10 June 2025

The precious metal isn’t just a superfluous adornment; it’s seen as a liquid asset: something that can be traded, act as collateral or melted down and sold. —Sadiya Ansari Spandita Malik, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025

From bold patterns to bow adornments to ruffles and shirred detailing, Damson Madder is a go-to for unique dresses that stand out. —Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 28 May 2025

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