adornment

noun

adorn·​ment ə-ˈdȯrn-mənt 

1

: the action of adorning : the state of being adorned

2

: something that adorns

Synonyms

• beautifier
• caparison
• decoration
• doodad
• embellisher
• embellishment
• frill
• garnish
• garnishment
• garniture
• ornament
• ornamentation
• setoff
• trim

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

In a statement, Romanian officials said the ancient adornments included two fibulae, or brooches, and one bracelet. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025

The drop-waist skirt of the floor-length dress featured a bevy of feathery adornments, adding textural juxtaposition as well as a 1920s vibe to the garment. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025

The Pirates said in a statement that the sign, which had been on the wall since 2022, was meant to be a temporary adornment. —John Perrotto, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025

The exhibit includes hand-wove and embroidered textiles, apparel, blankets and adornments. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 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