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

Winter wonderland decorations transform your home into a cozy retreat that celebrates the charm of the season, even extending beyond Christmas and its traditional red and green palette. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2025

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates an average of 832 home structure fires each year started with Christmas decorations, not including Christmas trees. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2025

Keep scrolling to shop even more lookalike Christmas decorations at Amazon. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025

But with World War II, tree decorations became more modest, and in 1942, three smaller trees were lit rather than one huge tree. —Jamie Knodel, NBC news, 4 Dec. 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)