decorative

adjective dec·o·ra·tive \ ˈde-k(ə-)rə-tiv , ˈde-kə-ˌrā- \

Definition of decorative

:serving to decorate; especially :purely ornamental

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decoratively

adverb

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decorativeness

noun

See decorative defined for English-language learners

See decorative defined for kids

Examples of decorative in a Sentence

We added some decorative details to the room.
The handles are decorative and practical.

Recent Examples of decorative from the Web

Along with new sidewalks and decorative street lights, improvements will include barrier curb removal and driveway apron replacements to make the section compliant with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, according to the city.

— mike nolan, Daily Southtown, "Cicero spruce-up underway in Oak Forest," 29 Aug. 2017
In response, the committee proposed a decorative metal fence, running along the eastern track, the length of the parking lot.

— jennie key, Cincinnati.com, "Rail at a crossroad: Glendale's quiet zone is on track," 29 Aug. 2017
Use it to create an eerie glow arising from a decorative grave or a trail of blood running from a gory display.

— kiona smith-strickland, Popular Mechanics, "5 Scary Ways to Light Up Your Yard for Halloween," 15 Aug. 2017
In the decades that followed, the mask was mass-produced and sold as a decorative item for the walls of private homes and studios, first in Paris, and then abroad.

— elaine sciolino, The Seattle Times, "At a family workshop near Paris, the ‘drowned Mona Lisa’ death mask lives on," 20 July 2017
He and Jessop pointed out touches such as original windows with wavy glass, original wood on support columns in the first-floor gallery, and the decorative tin ceiling, which dates to the 1920s, in the main theater on the second floor.

— david anderson, The Aegis, "Havre de Grace Opera House opening week is Aug. 6-13," 17 July 2017
Garments are restored with the use of patches, embroidery, creative stitching, and decorative safety pins.

— marielle wakim, Los Angeles Magazine, "Best of LA: 92 of Our Favorite Things to Eat, Do, and Buy Right Now," 14 July 2017
A major source of standing water is the bromeliad, a common decorative plant that looks like the top of a pineapple.

— devi shastri, jsonline.com, "In Miami, officials prepare for a new mosquito season – and brace for a return of Zika," 13 July 2017
The brand announced Wednesday on Instagram that Gucci Décor is launching in September, and will include furniture and decorative pieces designed by the brand's creative director Alessandro Michele.

— melissa minton, Glamour, "Gucci Home Decor Is Coming," 12 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decorative.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.