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

Keep scrolling for more Halloween decorations from Pottery Barn’s clearance section for up to 50% off. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian cruises that fall during Halloween will feature specialty cocktails, decorations and more. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

During Christmas one year, when there was no money for a tree or decorations, mother and daughters taped leaves and pine cones to a paper cutout of a tree affixed to the living-room wall. —Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025

The basement and the attic are great, out-of-the-way spots for luggage, holiday and seasonal decorations, wreaths, metal and plastic items, and kitchen items like pots and pans. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 3 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)