decoration

noun

dec·​o·​ra·​tion ˌde-kə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce decoration (audio)
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)

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lowe’s is the latest store to offer early Halloween decorations, with several new decorations and animatronics from Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride. Chris Morris, Fortune, 9 June 2025 This photo shows the decoration from the cake of Jenita Aguilar's wedding, which is sponsored by the Pope, at her home in Tacloban City, province of Leyte on April 22, 2025, a day after Pope's death. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 This being Washington, the decorations featured an eagle in flight, but, unlike the eagle on the Executive Branch club’s insignia, this one clutched photos of Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg, dressed in tuxedos. Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 Inspired by the ornate decorations of palaces overlooking Venice’s canals, this collection transforms the city’s rich symbolism into wearable works of art. Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for decoration

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decoration was in 1585

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decoration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decoration. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

decoration

noun
dec·​o·​ra·​tion ˌdek-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce decoration (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on decoration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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