decoration

noun

dec·​o·​ra·​tion ˌde-kə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act or process of decorating

2

: something that adorns, enriches, or beautifies : ornament

3

: a badge of honor (such as a U.S. military award)

Synonyms

• ornamentation
• ornament
• adornment

Examples of decoration in a Sentence

The vase has a fancy decoration on one side.

a plain sweater knit without decoration

He's a genius at home decoration.

a unique style of decoration

He received a decoration from the President.

Recent Examples on the Web

When messages are buried under too much decoration, volume, or fluff, employees stop reading, deadlines are missed, and frustration builds. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

The dogs bark at the Halloween decoration. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025

With her first child arriving soon, many users reminded her that love and support don’t have to come wrapped in decorations or exist within catered halls. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025

In some, people go all out with elaborate Halloween decorations and trick-or-treating is a big annual event. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing decoration

• for decoration
• interior decoration

Rhymes for decoration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

decoration

noun

dec·​o·​ra·​tion ˌdek-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act or action of decorating

2

: something that decorates or beautifies : ornament

holiday decorations

3

: a badge of honor (as a medal, cross, or ribbon)