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 of decoration

• 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

Think over-sized kitchens with dark cabinetry, granite countertops, artificial grapes and many, many rooster decorations. — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026

The family spent approximately $1,500 on dirt and ballfield materials and another $500 on indoor decorations, bringing the total for those elements to around $2,000. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2026

Before pumpkins can be recycled, participants should remove all decorations, including paint, candles, yarn hair, stickers, googly eyes and plastic accessories, event organizers said. — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

Decorations must have been quite the attraction, as five flies were on a decoration above the bar entrance. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026

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)