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

And don’t underestimate the power of beauty—not as decoration, but as revelation. —Matthew Clark Davison, Literary Hub, 18 July 2025

Consequently, there’s a race against the clock to finish the floats and decorations before time runs out. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 11 July 2025

There are also decorations that lend itself to your favorite mystery, plus two lounges, a wine bar, minus the wine, and a venom bar. —Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 10 July 2025

Her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, was the revolutionary who dared to write that women should be more than decorations for their husbands. —Daphne Woolsoncroft, People.com, 8 July 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)