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

The event will include games, trick-or-treating, special lighting and decorations, live music by Billy Lee and the Swamp Critters, divers doing underwater pumpkin carving, and pop-up science stations. —La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025

The remaining $263 will be spent on seasonal items such as food or candy, decorations and greeting cards. —Serenah McKay, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2025

Halloween decorations are up at Martinez’s house year-round. —Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025

There was a huge bowl filled with goldfish on a window ledge in the staircase, more like a party decoration, not an aquarium. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 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)