adornment

noun

adorn·​ment ə-ˈdȯrn-mənt How to pronounce adornment (audio)
1
: the action of adorning : the state of being adorned
2
: something that adorns

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The brand uses Italian cellulose acetate to create its chic adornments, selected for its durability and eco-credentials. Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2025 Hilton opted for the brand’s elegant Lurumus style, which is a mule style in black silk with a crystal adornment on the upper. Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025 One of the simplest rituals of adornment in hoodoo traditions is our use of color! Essence, 21 Oct. 2025 Trump has already made some other changes at the White House, like golden adornments in the Oval Office and a new patio in the Rose Garden, both of which mirror the aesthetic of his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago. Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adornment

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of adornment was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adornment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adornment. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

adornment

noun
adorn·​ment ə-ˈdȯrn-mənt How to pronounce adornment (audio)
1
: the action of adorning : the state of being adorned
2
: something that adorns

More from Merriam-Webster on adornment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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